Mohammad Kaif gives his verdict on India’s performance following defeat against Bangladesh in first ODI

Defending a low score of 186 runs in the first ODI, India had restricted Bangladesh to 136 for 9 in 39.3 overs. However, a game-changing knock of 38 runs in 39 balls from Mehidy Hasan Miraz helped Bangladesh snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

Post the defeat, former Indian cricketer, Mohammad Kaif questioned the absence of bowlers in the Indian attack who could bowl well at the death. He was also critical of India’s efforts on the field against Bangladesh on Sunday.

"It was India's game, they had taken nine wickets. The bowling was excellent, they got India back into the game after the batters had a bad day. The bowling covered up for that until the 40th over, but the last 10 overs, who is our death bowler? Is it Deepak Chahar or Kuldeep Sen?" noted Kaif during a discussion on Sony Sports, the official broadcaster of the India-Bangladesh series.

"We dropped catches. KL Rahul doesn't keep that often. He is a good fielder, he ran out Litton Das with a direct hit from the deep in the T20 World Cup. Sundar didn't dive to try and take the catch," he added.

Kaif, further, questioned India’s ability to play under pressure. While citing the examples of big teams such as New Zealand or England, Kaif stressed on the importance of overcoming pressure in big games if they are to win a big tournament like the World Cup.

"The fielders were seen under pressure. We made mistakes under pressure. We bowled wide balls and no-balls. You have to overcome pressure if you have to win the World Cup. That is how a team emerges, whether you talk about New Zealand or England, who are at the top in white-ball cricket.

"I am disappointed that we are crumbling under pressure. You can talk about captaincy or bowling changes. The game went well until the 40th over, but then came Mehidy Hasan Miraz and showed the Bangladesh batters how to play. But I feel the young bowlers couldn't finish the game in the last 10 overs."

The second ODI is scheduled to be played on 7th December at the same venue. India need to win that game to stay in contention of winning the series.