India vs Windies: Mohammad Kaif discloses the biggest threat for the visitors

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif feels that the spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja will act as the biggest threat for the Windies in the two-match Test series. Ashwin and Jadeja, who in tandem wreaked havoc in India’s long home season in 2016-17, didn’t have the chance to play together in the England Test series.

India chose to bolster their pace attack in seamer-friendly conditions in England. They even dropped Kuldeep Yadav from the side. However, the spin twins are all set to take the field on Thursday in Rajkot.

Speaking to Hindustan Times, Mohammad Kaif said, “It is going to be very difficult for the West Indies because India are a very strong team at home. Virat Kohli is also back to lead them. But in my opinion, the biggest match-winners in the series will be Ashwin and Jadeja. Kuldeep Yadav is also there but I think Ashwin and Jadeja will be the biggest threat for the visiting team.”

Too many changes can hamper a player’s rhythm

India have made several changes for the upcoming Test series, bringing in some fresh faces as well as resting the senior players prior to the tour of Australia. Youngsters Prithvi Shaw and Mayank Agarwal are in the squad, with the former all set to make his Test debut on Thursday. Virat Kohli is known to juggle his team around. India played the same XI after 39 matches in the fourth Test against England in Southampton last month. However, according to Kaif, this can hamper a player’s rhythm.

“The current Indian set-up believes in the notion of ‘horses for courses’. Virat Kohli is a different player and he has scored runs in India and in overseas conditions. However, every player is not like Kohli. A player might feel that if he is doing well then he should play consistently. And then there are players who feel that if they take a break then they will be able to do a better job on their return,” Kaif said.

“But we have to identify such players i.e the players who need a break and the players who want to play on a regular basis. The team management must identify who are such ‘horses for courses’ players. Some players might not be comfortable with this notion altogether,” he added.

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