Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has criticized the team management for not providing security to its players, which he believes cost India the first Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The cricketer-turned-commentator expressed concerns that Indian players are playing under fear due to a lack of support from selectors, coaches, and captains.
Kaif, citing examples of Sarfaraz Khan and Sai Sudharsan, noted the absence of backing from the management. He stated on his YouTube channel:
> “Whichever players are playing, they don’t have a feeling that someone is standing for them. Koi backing nahi hai, sab darr ke khel rahe hain. (There is no backing; everyone is playing with fear.) Sab dar ke khel rahe hain, koi khul ke nahi khel raha (Everyone is playing in fear, nobody is playing with freedom). If Sarfaraz Khan’s place is not confirmed after scoring a hundred. Even after scoring 100, he’s not able to make a comeback. Sai Sudharsan scored 87. He doesn’t play the next Test match. I think there is a lot of confusion in this team.”
Kaif’s comments came after India failed to chase down a modest target of 124 against South Africa in the second innings of the opening Test in Kolkata.
### Concerns Over Player Selection
Notably, Sarfaraz Khan was dropped from India’s squad despite scoring 150 during the Test series against New Zealand at home last year. He then followed that up with 92 during India A’s tour of England, but was replaced by Karun Nair in the main squad for the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
Similarly, Sai Sudharsan was omitted from the playing XI for the first Test against South Africa despite having scored 87 against New Zealand in his last Test outing.
Kaif added:
> “Players ko apne pe belief kam ho gaya hai, thoda insecurity bhi aa gyi hai (Players are not believing in themselves, there is insecurity as well). When there is insecurity and you come to play at turning tracks, you won’t be able to do well.”
### Washington Sundar’s Success and Missed Selection Opportunities
Kaif also discussed why Washington Sundar looked comfortable batting against South Africa on Kolkata’s challenging pitch, while other Indian batters struggled. He attributed Sundar’s success to his upbringing on spin-friendly tracks in Chennai. Kaif said:
> “Why did Sundar play well? He comes from Chennai. He has grown by playing on turning tracks. He knows how to use his feet and which balls to play with soft hands. How to keep the bottom hand.
>
> Sai Sudharsan also comes from Chennai. If he were there at No. 3 and Sundar at No. 8, you would have won this Test match. He plays spin very well. Sudharsan comes from Chennai. He’s in form and scored 87. He’s not there in the playing XI.”
Notably, Sundar faced 174 balls across two innings—the most by any player in the Test match.
### Criticism of Spin-Heavy Team Selection
Kaif further questioned India’s decision to field four spinners in home conditions, especially after South Africa won with just two specialist spinners.
> “The South African team won the Test match with only two spinners; you’re using four. There was no need to play four. This team is wrong.”
### India’s Recent Home Test Record
Surprisingly, Team India has now lost four out of their last six Tests at home, including a 0-3 clean sweep by New Zealand.
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*Edited by James Kuanal.*
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