Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif backed the wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel to feature at No.4 for India in the upcoming ODI series against South Africa in place of the injured Shreyas Iyer as well. He is unlikely to recover in time from the rib injury he suffered during the Australia tour as well.

“The backup batter in the previous ODI squad, whoever it is, he should get the chance, why should his chance be stolen? So, if Jurel was the back-up batter, then he would play. He has a solid technique to play at No.4, so why not? He is scoring runs, is in good form. He is ready, so he should play in the ODIs,” Kaif said on his YouTube channel.

“Coaches should look to make players, build players, rather than calling up players from here and there always, then play them and drop them, and the same cycle repeats. How can you then finalize a squad with a pool of 40-50 players? You should proceed with what you already have,” he further added.

However, Team India have been blessed with some great leaders over the years, and Mohammad Kaif was asked to pick the captain of his choice between some greats like Sourav Ganguly, Rohit Sharma, and MS Dhoni.

“Ganguly took charge when there were dark clouds hovering over Indian cricket. He paved the way out of that phase, and it is a route that is still being in use. So, it is not even a debate for me. On the basis of numbers, you can say that captains won this many ICC trophies and all. In that regard, Ganguly will be behind, but the way he rescued Indian cricket is something. Winning overseas and playing with aggression is something that Ganguly taught,” Mohammad Kaif concluded.