India suffered a seven-wicket defeat in Perth on Shubman Gill’s ODI captaincy debut, drawing criticism for selection and bowling choices.
Shubman Gill’s debut as India’s ODI captain began on a rough note as the team suffered a seven-wicket defeat in Perth. The rain-affected clash saw India struggle in all departments, with the batting failing to build partnerships and the bowling unable to maintain control.
Selection decisions also came under scrutiny, as in-form spinner Kuldeep Yadav was overlooked in favour of Washington Sundar, with the management opting for extra batting depth instead of proven bowling firepower.
Former cricketer Mohammad Kaif criticised India’s bowlers following the defeat, highlighting the over-reliance on part-timers and emphasising that victories cannot rest solely on Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami. Kaif also pointed out that all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy is not a complete bowler.
“In this team there were many part-time bowers. Nitish Reddy is not a complete bowler. On such a pitch even Sundar is not a complete bowler. Harshit Rana would be disappointed with his bowling. It was the bowlers’ responsibility to win this game. I know it was a low score. But when will you win games as bowlers then? Will you win only with Bumrah and Shami?” Kaif said on his YouTube channel.
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India struggled to 136 for 9 in 26 overs, with rain halting play four times. This left Australia a revised target of 131, which they chased comfortably in just 21.1 overs. Arshdeep Singh, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar each picked up a wicket for India. The batting highlights came from KL Rahul (38), Axar Patel (31), and Nitish Kumar Reddy (19*), who provided some resistance.
Kaif also expressed disappointment with Shubman Gill for not including a proven wicket-taker like Kuldeep Yadav. He cited Shane Warne’s success in Australia across formats as an example.
“It was a test of all the bowlers and Gill as well. He did not play Kuldeep in the XI. You covered everything but did not play a wicket-taking bowler. Shane Warne was successful in all formats in Australia. I was disappointed that Kuldeep did not play. Kuhnamann bagged two wickets. You have compromised with quality for quantity,” he added.
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