Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has sharply criticized head coach Gautam Gambhir and the Indian team management regarding their handling of emerging talent. Kaif’s scathing remarks followed India’s 2-1 ODI series victory against the West Indies, during which he expressed concern over the lack of consistent backing for new players.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kaif highlighted the treatment of fast bowler Aaqib Nabi. The young bowler made his ODI debut in the second match in Guwahati—conceding 84 runs without taking a wicket—but was immediately dropped for the series finale. Gambhir defended the move, stating that the ‘dead-rubber’ match lacked the competitive pressure needed for the growth of the youngsters. However, Kaif countered that dropping players after a single poor outing shatters their confidence.
I don’t know when Aaqib Nabi will play white-ball cricket next – Mohammad Kaif
In a video on his YouTube channel, Mohammad Kaif said, “You are bringing in new players but not supporting them. If you have fielded a player, give them more opportunities. Why did they drop Nabi? Kamboj took a beating too, after all. By doing this, you are ruining the careers of young players.”
He added, “I don’t know when Nabi will play white-ball cricket next. He might not play at all. This is wrong. You don’t have backups. If this kind of planning continues, it will cause damage.”
Also Read: South Africa to Take Late Call on Kagiso Rabada’s Fitness
Kaif also expressed sympathy for young captain Shubman Gill. He noted that managing an inexperienced bowling lineup under immense pressure ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup could prove difficult for Gill. He observed that while star batters like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli continued to score runs, the series failed to address critical weaknesses in India’s bowling attack.
