Wasim Jaffer questions KL Rahul’s captaincy credentials in 2nd ODI match vs Bangladesh
Indian vice-captain KL Rahul faced the wrath of Wasim Jaffer after the Indian team dropped their series against Bangladesh after losing successive matches at Dhaka. This was only the second time that Indian team had lost a series against the Bangla Tigers away from home.
Reacting to the loss, Wasim Jaffer criticised, KL Rahul, who captained the team in the absence of Rohit Sharma in the 2nd ODI match. Rahul was forced to pitch in after India captain Rohit Sharma injured his thumb and had to leave the field. Rohit was forced to go to the hospital for scans and had to get his dislocated thumb set before coming back into the stadium.
Under Rahul, India let the game slip from their hands. Bangladesh at one point of time had lost 6 wickets inside the first 20 overs for just 66 runs, but ended up scoring 271/7 in 50 overs owing to a record partnership between Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Mahmudullah. A massive total on the pitch, Bangladesh successfully defended the target despite Rohit Sharma’s late heroics at number 9.
Speaking about Rahul, Jaffer said that he was not a capable captain.
“We had good bowlers in Mohammed Siraj and Axar Patel. Umran Malik also did well, but Bangladesh had the answers to all the questions. They batted wonderfully well and rotated the strike nicely. It’s difficult when your captain is in (not on the field) and the keeper has to lead. KL Rahul is not a very experienced captain, especially at the international level. That may have had an effect, but that can’t be an excuse. You’ve got to give credit to Bangladesh,” Jaffer told ESPNcricinfo.
The Indian team will now go into the third ODI with three members of the playing XI injured. India then will be facing the hosts in a 2-match Test series.
