'When it is time to take off the innings, they are out' - Kapil Dev slams senior batting trio for not making big impact

Team India will be without the services of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for the upcoming five-match T20I series against South Africa. The star batting duo has been rested for the series along with senior bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami. Former Indian cricketer and captain, Kapil Dev had strong words for both Kohli and Rohit as he commented on their lean run of form. He also remarked on the role of newly appointed skipper KL Rahul.

KL Rahul will lead the Blues in the absence of regular captain Rohit Sharma. Delhi Capitals’ skipper Rishabh Pant will be the deputy for Rahul in the series. Rahul was in charge of Lucknow Super Giants in the recently concluded IPL, whereas wicketkeeper-batter Pant led the Delhi Capitals side in this year’s edition of IPL.

Rohit’s Mumbai Indians had a nightmare outing in the IPL 2022, and his form with the bat was no different. The Mumbai skipper managed just 268 runs this term, without a single half-century to his name. Former Indian skipper Virat Kohli also endured a tough time as he failed to contribute to RCB in the crucial Playoff games.

Kapil Dev shared his thoughts on the famed batting trio of Rohit, Kohli, and Rahul as he expects more from the reputed batters.

“They have a big reputation and there’s huge pressure on them, which shouldn’t be the case. You have to play fearless cricket. They are players who can hit at a strike rate of 150-160. Whenever we need them to score runs, they all get out. When it is time to take off (in the innings) they are out. And that adds to the pressure. Either you play an anchor or you play striker,” Kapil Dev said on the YouTube channel Uncut.

 The approach needs to change or you change the players: Kapil Dev

The 1983 World Cup-winning captain was critical of Rahul’s role as a batter and wants a longer, more impactful innings from the talented right-hander. The LSG skipper was dismissed at a crucial stage of the run chase against Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Eliminator. The opener has been keen on playing longer innings rather than his natural attacking game.

“When you talk about KL Rahul, if the team tells him to play the entire 20 overs and you come back with a score of, say 60 not out, you’re not doing justice to your team. I think the approach needs to change. And if it doesn’t, you have to change the players. A big player is expected to make a big impact. Having a big reputation is not enough, you also have to deliver great performances,” added Kapil.

KL was the 2nd leading run-scorer in the recently concluded IPL season as he guided the Lucknow-based franchise to the playoffs in their debut season.