India vs Australia: ‘He should definitely be brought into the team, he has the experience’ – Mohammad Kaif backs KL Rahul to replace Virat Kohli

India are in deep trouble heading into the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. The visitors were handed an eight-wicket mauling in the first Test at Adelaide. And it is not the result but how they ended up with it will trouble the Indian camp. The first two days of the game saw India perform impressively with the ball as they restricted Australia‘s star-studded line up under 200.

But the very next day, with a healthy lead of 60 odd runs, the visitors were caught napping in the middle. India were restricted on 36/9 as they recorded their lowest ever innings total in Test cricket. Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins wreaked havoc on the Indian batting line-up. While Hazlewood bagged a fifer, Cummins picked up four wickets to hand Australia a target of 90 runs.

KL Rahul and Shubman Gill should be given a chance

This batting collapse has called for harsh criticism from around the globe. And captain Virat Kohli and Mohammed Shami‘s departure only adds to India’s woes. As the visitors look to pull themselves together for the remainder of the series, Mohammad Kaif came with some suggestions for the team. Kaif feels that KL Rahul should replace Kohli for the final three Tests. The former Indian batsman feels that Rahul’s experience will help India navigate this tricky phase.

While the Karanataka opener has been on fire in the limited-overs, his form against the red ball is questionable. Rahul last played a Test more than a year ago against the West Indies. But Kaif feels that Rahul has improved by leaps and bounds lately. And hence deserves a chance to prove his prowess against the red cherry.

“When you talk about Melbourne, the problems are there. There are a lot of options if they want to make changes. KL Rahul and Shubman Gill are there. Virat Kohli will go back home after this Test match,” said Kaif during a discussion on Sony Sports network.

“I feel KL Rahul should play because he has the experience. Since the time KL Rahul has been dropped from the Indian team, he has put in a lot of effort in the last one and a half to two years and there has been improvement in his game. He has played well in ODIs and T20Is, if we talk about this series also. That is why he should definitely be brought into the team,” he added.

Kaif went on to back Shubman Gill to debut in this series. With Prithvi Shaw‘s string of low scores continuing in the first Test, Gill is likely to bag his maiden Test cap. Moreover, the Punjab opener was in great nick in the IPL and shined in the tour games too.

“Shubman Gill has been drawing a lot of praises. He is an organised player. His IPL was also good. I believe a player who has been playing continuously, in which you can include the IPL as well, in the last few months should be given a chance,” said Kaif.

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