IND vs NZ 2026: ‘Prasidh always goes for runs except in a game or two’ - Mohammad Kaif criticises team management over pacer selection

Published - 16 Jan 2026, 18:28 IST | Updated - 16 Jan 2026, 18:30 IST

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif launched a sharp critique of pacer Prasidh Krishna ahead of the third ODI against New Zealand. The three-match series is tied 1-1, with the decider scheduled at Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore. Krishna had a fairly decent outing in the second ODI, returning figures of 1/49 from nine overs at an economy rate of 5.4.

Kaif questioned the team management’s decision to bench Arshdeep Singh in favour of Krishna. He pointed out that Krishna has often been expensive, apart from a few standout performances. In 23 ODI matches, Krishna has taken 40 wickets at an economy rate of 6.02, whereas Arshdeep has claimed 22 wickets in 14 ODIs at a more impressive economy of 5.29. Kaif added that if India aims to win the 2027 ODI World Cup, the team will need bowlers capable of defending totals consistently.

"You are leaving out Arshdeep, who is a wicket-taker and looking to groom Prasidh Krishna. He always goes for runs except in a game or two. If someone says 280 runs were less and that's why India could not win, then I do not see this team winning the World Cup. Sometimes they will be 15-20 runs under par. If you want to win the World Cup, you will have to learn to win games with 270-280 runs as well. You have to learn to win games with the ball when the score is under par," Kaif said on his YouTube channel.

Kaif also stated that dew cannot be used as an excuse for failing to defend India’s total in the second ODI against New Zealand in Rajkot. He emphasised that dew is always a factor in night games, and Indian bowlers must learn to adapt and perform effectively under such conditions.

"There will always be dew. I feel there should be less focus on these things and more focus on the method to win. Look at how you can bowl even in the dew. You will have to learn to do this," said Kaif.