Mistake to drop Kaif from the side, says Azhar

Mumbai, Feb 20 (UNI) Former India captain Mohd Azharuddin who has had the distinction of leading India in three World Cups today felt that India had done a mistake by not including Mohd Kaif in the side.

Speaking at the release of the book titled 'One-Day Cricket: The Indian Challenge', penned by Ashis Ray, here Azhar said that though the team contains some outstanding players according to him Mohammad Kaif should have been in the side because the pitches there are not responsive to the fast bowlers and he is also a brilliant fielder.

Azharuddin also said according to him Virender Sehwag should open the innings along with Sourav Ganguly rather than play as a middle order bat. ''I have always felt that Sehwag should be used as an opener along with Sourav Ganguly because he will not be much successful playing in the middle-order,'' he said.

It is important to use the team's best batsman at the top of the order, Azharuddin further explained on the need for Sehwag to open the innings.

Azharuddin, speaking about the balance of the team, said according to him, it should be six batsmen and five bowlers and they must utilise all the options using the bowling of Sehwag and Sachin, '' he said.

The former India captain also termed fielding as having a key role to play in the World Cup. ''As far as the overall team is concerned, they have the right combination but you need to play fit fielders. If you play a fit side, India can go a long way but I am not sure about the fielding of bowlers Munaf Patel and Irfan,'' he said.

UNI