'Truth is that we are just white-ball bullies': Kaif tears into India after BGT loss

'Truth is that we are just white-ball bullies': Kaif tears into India after BGT loss

Kaif also reckoned that the Indian stalwarts should consider going back to the Ranji Trophy, getting themselves more red-ball practice

While the scoreline reads 3-1, the series between India and Australia was far closer than it seemed. Both sides had their fair share of opportunities, but ultimately, Australia won crucial moments in games to win the series. But the scoreline has certainly come haunting for India, with a headhunt already beginning for the players.

In the aftermath of the series, former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif has come pretty hard at the Indian team, calling them just a ‘white-ball bully’ and stating that India will earn a lot of praise just by beating Pakistan in the Champions Trophy.

"On 23rd February India will earn a lot of praise by beating Pakistan (in Champions Trophy) and everyone will say we are a champion team in white-ball cricket. But if India want to win the World Test Championship then we will have to make a Test match team, will have to learn to play on seaming tracks,” Kaif said in a video that he posted.

“The truth is that we are just white-ball bullies. We are lagging too far behind. If we have to win WTC, then players will have to play domestic cricket on turning tracks, will have to practice on seaming tracks, otherwise we will not be able to win," he added.

Kaif echoed the sentiments of many other former players and opined that Indian cricketers must play more domestic games (Ranji Trophy) if they want to keep up with the red-ball format.

"India lost 1-3, and I think this is a wake-up call, because now we have to pay our attention towards Test cricket. It's not just Gautam Gambhir who is at fault. All players get the chance to play in the Ranji Trophy, but it gets tiresome for the players and they prefer rest over playing Ranji Trophy,” he said .

While stating that Australia's 1-3 series defeat is a ‘wake-up call’ for the Men in Blue, Kaif warned the team that they have to be more tuned into the red-ball scheme of things if they want to win the World Test Championship trophy.

“They don't play Ranji Trophy, they don't play practice matches then how will they become better players? It's tough to play on turning tracks in India and tougher to play on seaming tracks in Australia and South Africa. So if you don't practice well, WTC will keep eluding you. What has happened, it has happened for the good and now Team India needs to work hard in Test cricket," Kaif concluded.

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