Former India Batter Mohammed Kaif Slams Team Management Over Washington Sundar Injury Risk
Former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif has strongly criticized the Indian team management for their decision to send an injured Washington Sundar out to bat during the first ODI against New Zealand in Vadodara. Kaif believes this move unnecessarily risked aggravating the all-rounder's injury.
Sundar's Injury and Batting Appearance
Washington Sundar suffered a side strain while bowling during New Zealand's innings in the Vadodara ODI. The Tamil Nadu cricketer managed to bowl only five overs before leaving the field. He did not return for the remainder of New Zealand's batting innings.
Despite this injury, Sundar came out to bat during India's chase of 301 runs. He remained at the crease as KL Rahul guided India to victory with an over to spare. Rahul later admitted he was unaware that Sundar could not run properly from the other end.
Kaif's Criticism and Gill Comparison
Mohammed Kaif questioned why the team management, led by Gautam Gambhir, made this decision. He pointed to a contrasting example involving Shubman Gill.
"You will remember when Shubman Gill was injured, he did not come out to bat in that Test match, the Kolkata Test," Kaif said on his YouTube channel. "It was a high-scoring game and people thought that even 20 or 30 runs from him could help India win, but he still did not bat."
Kaif emphasized that the approach with Gill was taken to protect the player and prevent injury aggravation. He expressed disappointment that the same caution was not applied to Sundar.
Consequences and Tournament Concerns
The decision has significant implications for India's upcoming matches. Washington Sundar is part of India's 15-member squad for the forthcoming T20 World Cup. He has now been ruled out of the remainder of the ODI series against New Zealand.
Sundar is also doubtful for the start of the five-match T20I series against the Kiwis. This development creates concern about his availability for the crucial T20 World Cup tournament.
Kaif's Detailed Analysis
Kaif provided detailed reasoning for his criticism. He argued that when a player is injured and the team needs runs at a manageable rate, management should first try other available options.
"When a player is injured and you send him in under pressure, the injury can worsen," Kaif explained. "He couldn't run doubles even though the ball was going to deep point or square leg, and he was only managing singles."
The former batter noted that although India controlled the match with a required run rate around a run-a-ball, sending an injured player still carried substantial risk. He warned that what might have been a one-week or ten-day injury could now extend to 20, 25, or even 30 days.
Impact on Team Performance
Kaif observed that Sundar's injury affected India's running between the wickets during the chase. Even though India won the match comfortably, the decision potentially compromised both the player's health and team efficiency.
"KL Rahul's running between the wickets was affected," Kaif noted. "Even though India won the match, I feel there were higher chances of aggravating the injury in yesterday's game."
The criticism comes at a sensitive time for Indian cricket as the team prepares for multiple international assignments. Management decisions regarding player fitness and risk assessment are under increased scrutiny.
This incident highlights ongoing debates about how teams balance immediate match requirements with long-term player welfare. With major tournaments approaching, such decisions carry weight beyond individual matches.
