Anil Kumble, who has seen Kaif’s development as a cricketer and person from close quarters, is as mystified as anyone else at his fall from grace. “I really am at a loss to figure out where and why he missed out,” Kumble told Wisden India. “I think that was the time when a lot of flamboyant cricketers came to the fore – the likes of Raina, Rohit and, a little later, Kohli. Kaif has always been a solid, disciplined performer, and perhaps in the clamour for flamboyance, the selectors lost track of him.
“I still believe he can add a lot of value to the Test team, especially with Rahul having retired and a few other seniors not far away from retirement,” Kumble said. “Kaif is only 31, and I believe this is the time when, as a batsman, you are nearing the peak of your powers. He has been consistent in domestic cricket, had a good last season, and he continues to be a brilliant fielder. As much as anything else, he has great attitude, so I don’t see why they should not look at him in the Test level. He has been there, done that in the Test match arena, he has the experience and the technique to do well as he has shown in the past. I can understand the selectors wanting to look ahead when it comes to the one-day game, but as far as Test cricket is concerned, Kaif is still a very good bat – he is solid, has good technique, so why not give him another go?”
No comments:
Post a Comment