Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has called on captain Shreyas Iyer to show faith in leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi by giving him a consistent run in the upcoming three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe. With the series set to begin on July 23 at the Harare Sports Club, Kaif believes Bishnoi needs security in his place rather than the pressure of playing every game as a trial.

Bishnoi endured a difficult outing during India’s T20I series against England, where he featured only in the second match at Old Trafford. Drafted into the playing XI as an injury replacement for Varun Chakaravarthy, the leg-spinner conceded 60 runs in his four overs without taking a wicket before being dropped for the remainder of the series.

Mohmmad Kaif feels that one poor performance should not define a player’s future, especially in a format as unpredictable as T20 cricket. Speaking on Cricbuzz, the former India batter urged Iyer to reassure Bishnoi that he would be backed throughout the Zimbabwe series regardless of one off-day.

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“Bishnoi only played one match in England before he was dropped. I want to see Iyer handle Bishnoi well,” Mohammad Kaif said. “Tell him, ‘Brother, no matter how you play, you will get the full series.’ At least give him the chance. If you give him just one match and then drop him, there will be insecurity in the team.”

Kaif explained that constantly chopping and changing the playing XI creates unnecessary pressure on young cricketers and discourages them from playing fearless cricket. According to him, players who fear being dropped after a single poor performance are less likely to take the risks required to succeed in the shortest format.

“A player coming into the team witnessing this might think that if he does not perform in one match, he might get dropped,” Mohammad Kaif added. “If you don’t come in with an attacking style without any pressure, then you will lag behind in T20 cricket. Assure Bishnoi that he will play all the matches so that he can bowl freely.”

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Bishnoi has enjoyed success against Zimbabwe in the past, claiming six wickets in five T20Is at an impressive average of 17.66 while maintaining an economy rate of 5.57. As India look to bounce back under Shreyas Iyer, the Zimbabwe tour presents Bishnoi with an ideal opportunity to regain confidence and establish himself as a key part of India’s T20 setup.