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Former cricketer Mohammad Kaif made a huge remark on star all-rounder Axar Patel's exclusion from the ODIs against South Africa. India announced their ODI squad for the three-match series beginning November 30.
Mohammad Kaif highlighted how Axar had performed well with the bat whenever he had gotten the opportunity. In fact, he was surprised that Axar was not picked. India included all-rounder Washington Sundar over Axar in the squad.
With the batting order not fixed as such apart from the top three, Mohammad Kaif reckoned that Sundar could be given Axar's role of batting at the top if they lost early wickets.
"Axar Patel has batted at five. He only came up when some wickets fell early. He has done well in this role as well, although he is not in this team. Whenever he has played, he has played well. He always contributes with the bat as well so him not being there is a bit of a surprise. This role can be given to Sundar now. And nobody's role is sixed anyway in this team apart from the top three. Sundar can be an option up the order, but as many batters are already there, I don't think so, but he may be sent only if we lose quick wickets," he said on his YouTube channel.
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Axar last played in the ODI series against Australia Down Under. He scored 75 runs in two innings with a top score of 44 and bagged three wickets at an average of 29.66 and an economy of 4.45.
Mohammad Kaif on Shubman Gill's injury and his need to manage workload
Meanwhile, KL Rahul is set to captain the ODI side in the absence of Shubman Gill. Gill suffered a neck injury in the first Test against South Africa and was ruled out for the remainder of the series. He will not feature in the ODIs as well.
Mohammad Kaif reckoned that the injury was largely because of playing all formats throughout the year without many breaks. He claimed that Gill's workload was the real reason for his injury and reckoned that the star batter would have to manage it going forward.
"Gill is playing all formats continuously, which has led to this injury. The neck injury, the pillow one, needs only three to four days. But he is not playing this Test, and will not play the ODIs as well. So the real reason is his workload. His body has become stiff from continuous cricket. He is on the road. This neck injury could be because of some nerve or cervical issue, as there is a lot of load playing continuously. He will have to manage his workload," he said.
With Gill missing out, Yashasvi Jaiswal has been included in the squad. Mohammad Kaif was glad to see Jaiswal getting an opportunity. He added that all eyes would be on the left-hander in the upcoming ODI series.
"I am excited that Jaiswal is getting an opportunity, as Gill is injured. Everyone wanted him to play, he is such a talented batter. Now he is getting an opportunity and eyes will be on him also."
Jaiswal has played only one ODI in his career so far. It was against England earlier this year.
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