"Not Right": Ex-India Batter On KL Rahul Replacing Shikhar Dhawan As Captain For Zimbabwe Series

Originally, it was Shikhar Dhawan who was chosen to lead Team India for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe, beginning August 18 in Harare and KL Rahul was not named in the squad. However, upon recovering from COVID-19, and then being deemed fit, Rahul was included in the squad and he was also named as captain with Dhawan acting as his deputy. Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has now given his take on the entire episode, saying the situation could have been avoided.

"The situation could have been avoided. You have asked a valid question. There might be a miscommunication, and the report of KL Rahul might have come late. He is going there for the Asia Cup, but he would have needed match practice before that. Somewhere, there might have been a miscommunication. If Shikhar Dhawan was announced as the captain, so the team could have played under him, it would not have made any difference," said Kaif while replying to an NDTV question during a select media interaction organised by Sony Sports Network, who will be broadcasting the upcoming India-Zimbabwe series.

"Currently, it is a different era now. You go as the net-bowler and then you end up playing Tests, and you make your debut. In COVID times, there have been certain changes. But you are right, I completely agree with your question, that if you have announced someone as captain, then the communication could have been better and people would not get the chance to question the call. It is not nice for Shikhar, as a player, he is very chilled out, he will not care but it is not right for Shikhar Dhawan," he added.

While replying to another NDTV query on whether the ODI format needs any tweaking, Kaif said: "Jaisa hai waisa theek hai sir (It is perfectly