‘When KL Rahul was searching…’ – Mohammad Kaif lauds Indian spinner after his brilliance in first Test against Bangladesh

When KL Rahul was looking for bowlers who might provide him with breakthroughs in Bangladesh’s second innings of the Chattogram Test. Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif, has now applauded Axar Patel for stepping up to the challenge.

Axar in the second innings finished his spell with a figure of 4/77 after picking up just one wicket in the first innings of the first Test at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram. The hosts lost by a huge 188-run deficit after being bowled out for 324 by Kuldeep Yadav (3-73) with his support.

“This Test match will be memorable for him (Axar) because there was a time when KL Rahul was searching for bowlers in the second innings when there was a partnership. The wicket Umesh (Yadav) took, Axar had put the pressure. The door opened from there, and his overall performance was fantastic,” Kaif while reviewing the first Test on Sony Sports. 

Team India will have a difficult selection dilemma between the two players: Mohammad Kaif

The ex-Indian player emphasized that the left-arm spinner produced the goods with a ball that had a subtle seam.

“I will praise Axar Patel, as he was bowling for the first time with the Kookaburra ball. He generally plays in India; there you get the SG Test ball, which has a more upright seam, and you get a good grip. This ball becomes flat when the hardness goes down, and then it is difficult to grip.”

When Ravindra Jadeja becomes ready and fit, team India will have a difficult selection dilemma between the two players. He said that the decision on that should be made at the proper time by the captain and coach.

“Let it happen when it happens; let Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma see. My only thing is that if you have picked someone, play him. The problem is that they pick someone, then leave him and get someone else.”

The commentator concluded by urging transparency in team selection.

“Let us know if someone has gotten injured. We know nothing. We don’t know why Rishabh Pant didn’t play the three ODIs. We request some transparency, but there is a lot of talent, whether you talk about Axar Patel or Kuldeep Yadav.” Kaif added.