India vs Australia: ‘This is the culture of Team India’ – Mohammad Kaif slams Virat Kohli, Ravi Shastri for dropping Shreyas Iyer

India vs Australia: ‘This is the culture of Team India’ – Mohammad Kaif slams Virat Kohli, Ravi Shastri for dropping Shreyas Iyer

Mohammad Kaif and Virat Kohli, Ravi Shastri

Mohammad Kaif and Virat Kohli, Ravi Shastri

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif lashed out at current skipper Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri for not backing the players in the side. Kaif was critical of India’s decision of dropping Shreyas Iyer from the playing XI during the first T20I against Australia. 

He reckoned that the Delhi Capitals skipper proved himself at this position during the New Zealand tour earlier this year. Kaif further said that changing and chopping has become a part of the Indian team culture.

“Shreyas Iyer had become your main player at one point. That he is your No.4 batsman, who finishes the game. Whether you talk about the IPL or go back to the New Zealand series, there also he finished games at No.4. He scored 50 not out or 33 not out, he was playing well at the No.4 position,” Mohammad Kaif said to Sony Sports network. 

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“He had two or three bad innings in the ODI, so they didn’t play him in the first T20I. This is the culture of the Indian team, and we have all understood that. I am not surprised that he is dropped,” he added.

“This is the sort of thinking of Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri and the players are also understanding that. The players also know that they will get just two innings, this is the sort of team it is,” said Mohammad Kaif.

Kaif differentiates between Sourav Ganguly and Virat Kohli

Sourav Ganguly: One of the finest skippers in the Indian history

The 40-year old recalled how former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly used to give opportunities to players for settling in the side. He said that ‘Dada’ backed players like him or Virender Sehwag during their tough times.

“When we used to play with Dada, it was not like this. In Dada’s time you knew that if he has picked one player, he will play him till the time he feels he will deliver. He backed the players a lot.

“That is why Virat Kohli will have to think in the coming time to leave his legacy as a captain. Why we talk about Dada or why does Virender Sehwag talk about Dada? Because Dada has made that impact. Sourav Ganguly has backed us, he made a team,” he concluded.

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