Latest news with #Kaif
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Shubman Gill earns plaudits for not impersonating Kohli, showing his calm side in Manchester: ‘Whenever camera zoomed…'
Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif was impressed with Shubman Gill's attitude on the field against England in Manchester. Kaif asserted that the young Indian skipper didn't impersonate Virat Kohli at Old Trafford after facing criticism for his antics at Lord's. The 25-year-old looked calm and composed as skipper in the fourth Test and played a pivotal role in his team forcing a draw with a century in the fourth innings. The draw kept India alive in the series as they will now shift focus to the Oval to finish the series 2-2. In his first assignment as captain, Shubman Gill has managed to impress many.(AFP) Kaif was highly impressed with Shubman's calm demeanour in Manchester, which he also feels was reflected when he was batting in the middle. The Indian skipper was criticised for his over-aggressive attitude on the field at Lord's, with many saying that he was trying to copy Virat Kohli. "In this Test, you must have seen that whenever the camera zoomed in on him, he was calm. He realised his mistake of trying to impersonate Virat Kohli… He realised his calm nature, and it transpired in his batting. He showed that he has temperament," Kaif said on his YouTube channel. The Indian skipper displayed immense grit and determination on the last two days with the bat and scored 103, which set up the foundation for a draw, which looked highly unlikely on Day 4 when India lost wickets for nought on the scoreboard. 'Kuldeep Yadav not playing was a huge mistake in Manchester' The former cricketer further batted for Kuldeep Yadav's inclusion for the fifth Test, where India will fight to draw the series. Kaif asserted that putting Kuldeep on the bench in Manchester wasn't a wise decision. "Kuldeep Yadav not playing was a huge mistake in Manchester... you needed a left-arm spinner. I think he will play the next Test match at The Oval because India are 1-2 behind in the series. You have to win The Oval Test. If you lose it, then you'll lose the series. You have to win to level the series. You can't even draw. To win, you need 20 wickets. To bag 20 wickets, you've to play better bowlers in the XI. You need Kuldeep Yadav in the next Test match regardless of the conditions, seaming or overcast,' he added.
India.com
4 days ago
- Sport
- India.com
'Jasprit Bumrah might retire...': Star India cricketer makes BOLD claim on pacer's future
Jasprit Bumrah As fitness concerns grow and Bumrah's pace dips in the ongoing Manchester Test, former cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes the pacer could soon be the next Indian great to step away from red-ball cricket. With Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and R Ashwin already having exited the format, The 44-year-old thinks Bumarh might be the next to leave the format, not because he lacks skill but rather because his body might no longer allow him to play Test cricket. In the ongoing fourth Test in Manchester, Bumrah's speed has significantly decreased from his typical 140 kph to 130-135 kph range. However, at Headingley and Lord's he touched 140-plus, but Old Trafford has a different story. During the second session on Day 3, the 31-year-old was clearly struggling. After giving up 11 runs in just one over with the new ball, he was seen clutching his ankle and leaving the field. Kaif says Bumrah might consider Test retirement soon 'I don't think you will see Jasprit Bumrah in the upcoming Tests, and he might retire. He is struggling, and there is a noticeable drop in pace. He is an honest person. If he feels he is not giving his 100 per cent, winning matches or taking wickets for his country, it is my gut feeling that he will step away himself,' Kaif said in a video posted on his X account. Bumrah's dip in form during what has been a tough challenge for India in England has sparked serious concerns. He began the series on a high with a brilliant five-wicket haul in the first innings at Headingley but lost momentum soon after, going wicketless in the second innings. Although he made a strong comeback at Lord's with another fifer, his performance in Manchester has been underwhelming, claiming just one wicket, Jamie Smith in 28 overs. This inconsistency has become the hallmark of Bumrah's England tour. Kaif highlights that Bumrah's dip in pace is concerning According to Kaif Bumrah going wicketless is concerning but the noticeable dip in pace is more troubling. Additionally, he highlights Bumrah's body language, stating that the top-ranked Test bowler may be struggling with fitness issues and doesn't appear to be having fun on the field. 'Getting wickets or not is one thing. But bowling at 125 to 130kph — and the wicket he did get required the keeper to dive forward — that's not the Bumrah we know. When he's fit, his deliveries carry at a good height regardless of who's batting — be it Joe Root or Ben Stokes. He is a player who can dismiss anyone at will. I feel the passion is still there, but his body is no longer responding,' Kaif explained. 'His body is not supporting him. His inability to take wickets in this Test is a clear indicator that he may face issues in future matches. Maybe he won't play in upcoming Tests. Virat, Rohit, and Ashwin have moved on. Perhaps the time is coming when India will have to play without Bumrah. I hope my prediction is wrong. But I don't think he's enjoying this Test,' he concluded.
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Business Standard
4 days ago
- Sport
- Business Standard
Jasprit Bumrah next in line to retire from Tests? Here's what Kaif said
Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has sparked speculation over Jasprit Bumrah's future in Test cricket, suggesting that the pace spearhead could be the next senior player to step away from the longest format following Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin. 'Won't be surprised if Bumrah decides to retire soon' Speaking in a video on his verified X handle, Kaif expressed concern over Bumrah's physical condition, particularly after his underwhelming performance on Day 3 of the fourth Test against England, where he managed only one wicket in 28 overs. 'Looking at how things are, I won't be surprised if Bumrah decides to retire from Test cricket soon. Virat, Rohit, and Ashwin have already moved on, and Bumrah might follow,' Kaif remarked. 'I sincerely hope I'm wrong, but he just doesn't look comfortable out there. The passion is clearly there, but his body seems to be giving up.' Kaif added that Bumrah appeared to be 'losing the battle with his body,' highlighting a notable drop in pace and overall effectiveness. He noted that during the Old Trafford Test, Bumrah was mostly operating in the 130-135 kmph range, rarely breaching the 140 kmph mark, a far cry from his usual sharpness. Bumrah denying captaincy for workload management Earlier this year, Bumrah had declined India's Test captaincy offer post-Rohit's retirement, citing concerns about workload management. "I didn't think it would be fair to the team to have a captain for just a few Tests. Continuity is important, and I've always prioritised the team's needs,' Bumrah had explained. The 31-year-old, currently ranked No. 1 in the ICC Test bowling rankings, has struggled with injuries in recent months. He was unable to bowl during the second innings of the final Border-Gavaskar Test in Sydney due to a back problem and subsequently missed the 2025 Champions Trophy and the early phase of the IPL. On the ongoing England tour, Bumrah has carefully managed his workload, playing only three of the four Tests so far. While he impressed at Headingley with a five-wicket haul and followed it up with another strong showing at Lord's, his diminished pace and rhythm during the Manchester Test have raised fresh doubts about his long-term fitness. Kaif pointed to these worrying signs, saying, 'Bumrah is a proud cricketer. If he feels he's no longer able to deliver at his best for India, he may step away on his own terms. He's the kind of player who wants to contribute meaningfully, not just participate.' India now faces the reality that their pace ace may no longer be a regular presence in red-ball cricket, with Kaif hinting that fans may soon have to adjust to a Test side without one of its most impactful fast bowlers.
India.com
5 days ago
- Sport
- India.com
Why Will Jasprit Bumrah Take Test Retirement After This Test According To Mohammed Kaif? Know Here
Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has raised concerns about Jasprit Bumrah's Test future, suggesting the pace spearhead might soon retire from the longest format. Bumrah has appeared off-colour during the ongoing Manchester Test against England, consistently bowling at speeds between 130-135 kmph , a noticeable drop from his earlier performances in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, especially at Headingley and Lord's, where he regularly clocked over 140 kmph. In the first innings of the fourth Test, Bumrah has managed just one wicket, dismissing England wicketkeeper Jamie Smith. At one point during the second session, he was seen holding his ankle, raising further concerns. Although he returned to bowl in the final session, commentators observed that he wasn't bowling at full intensity and was noticeably cautious in his approach. Kaif believes this could be a sign of things to come. "Jasprit Bumrah, I don't think you will see him playing in the upcoming Test matches. And he might even take retirement. He is struggling with his body. His body has totally given up. His speeds have been on the lower side in the Manchester Test. There is no speed in this Test match," Kaif said in a video shared on X (formerly Twitter). Bumrah to retire from tests? — Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) July 26, 2025 Kaif went on to highlight Bumrah's character and selflessness: "And he is a selfless person. If he feels that he is not able to give 100 per cent for the country, that he is not able to win the match, that he is not getting the wickets, then he himself will refuse. This is my gut feel," he added. Previous Concerns Bumrah has previously struggled with injuries, notably missing three months of action due to a back spasm sustained during the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Sydney. He also sat out of the Champions Trophy due to fitness concerns. As a precaution, it was already decided before the current series began that Bumrah would play only three Tests to manage his workload. However, Kaif noted that his pace has declined across all three appearances in England. Urging fans to prepare for the possibility of Bumrah stepping away from red-ball cricket, Kaif remarked: "But the speed, he is throwing the ball at a speed of 130-125. And the wicket he got, the catch that the keeper took, he also caught it by diving. His passion is the same. But he has lost to his body. He has lost to his fitness. His body is not supporting him." He further added, "His failure in this Test match clearly shows that I feel there will be problems in the Test matches. You may not see him playing. First, Virat Kohli went. Then Rohit Sharma went. Ashwin is not there. Now, without Bumrah, get used to it, Indian fans. I feel that you will have to get used to watching Test matches without him as well." Despite his concerns, Kaif expressed hope that his prediction turns out to be incorrect. "I pray that my prediction is wrong. But what I saw in this Test match, I feel that he is not enjoying himself. His mind is sharp, but he has lost to his body," he concluded.
News18
5 days ago
- Sport
- News18
Bumrah could be next big Test retirement after Kohli, Rohit, Ashwin: Kaif
Last Updated: New Delhi, Jun 26 (PTI) Jasprit Bumrah may become the next high-profile cricketer to retire from Tests after Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin because the world's No. 1 bowler is 'losing the battle against his body", feels former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif. The 31-year-old looked off-colour on day three of the ongoing fourth Test against England and bagged the solitary wicket of Jamie Smith after bowling 28 overs. 'Jasprit Bumrah, I think, might not be seen playing in the upcoming Test matches, and it is possible that he might take retirement as well," cricketer-turned-commentator Kaif posted in a video on his verified X handle. 'Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have stepped away, (Ravichandran) Ashwin has also retired. And now, it seems, it's Bumrah's turn. Indian cricket fans may need to start getting used to this. I believe you might have to get used to watching Tests without Bumrah from now on." 'I hope and pray I'm wrong. But from what I saw in this Test, it looks like he's not enjoying himself at all. He's lost the battle with his body. The spirit and passion are the same, but the body just isn't keeping up. And what can you do in such a situation," said Kaif. Following Rohit's retirement, the Indian think-tank's first choice for captaincy was Bumrah but he 'no" to the job to manage his workload. 'Yes, the BCCI was looking at me for leadership. But then I had to say no. It's not fair for the team as well that in a five Test-match series, someone is leading in three matches and someone else in two matches. It's not fair on the team and I always wanted to put the team first," Bumrah had said earlier in an interview. Bumrah, who has held the No. 1 spot in the ICC Test bowling rankings since 2024, has been grappling with fitness issues since the start of the year. He was unable to bowl in the second innings of the fifth and final Border-Gavaskar Test in Sydney earlier this year due to a back injury and he also missed both the Champions Trophy and the start of IPL 2025. Since then, the India pace spearhead has been cautious about managing his workload, opting to play only 'three Tests" on the ongoing tour of England. Bumrah featured in the series-opener at Headingley, where he consistently clocked over 140 kmph and returned impressive figures of 5/83 in the first innings. He then sat out the second Test at Edgbaston, which India won, before returning for the third Test at Lord's. At Lord's, although his pace had dropped noticeably, he still managed to claim a second successive five-wicket haul, finishing with seven wickets in the match. However, in the ongoing fourth Test at Old Trafford, concerns have deepened. Bumrah has been operating mostly in the 130-135 kmph range and has crossed the 140 kmph mark very rarely. Kaif feels the bigger concern for him was the drop in his pace. 'Whether he takes wickets or not, his pace has dropped — he's bowling at around 125-130 kmph. Even the wicket he took, the keeper had to dive forward to catch it. When Bumrah is fully fit, the ball rises to shoulder height. It zips through so quickly that be it Joe Root or Ben Stokes the batters feel the wind of it. 'He's struggling with his body; his pace has dropped in this (Manchester) Test. Jasprit Bumrah is a very proud and self-respecting man (khuddar banda hai)." 'If he feels that he is not able to give 100% for the country, not able to win the match, and not taking the wickets, then he will himself say 'no'. This is my gut feeling. He's the kind of bowler who can dismiss any batter whenever he wants. But right now, while the passion to play for the country is still there, his body and fitness are not supporting him. 'His performance in this Test clearly shows that. I think there will be issues in future Tests too — you might not see him playing regularly anymore," Kaif added. PTI TAP UNG view comments First Published: July 26, 2025, 16:45 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
