India, Jan. 12 -- Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif strongly criticised the team management for allowing Washington Sundar to bat in the first ODI against New Zealand despite carrying an injury. Sundar picked up the injury during the series opener in Vadodara on Sunday. The 26-year-old had earlier bowled five overs for 27 runs before leaving the field midway through New Zealand's innings and not returning. Even so, he later walked out to bat at No. 8 as India went on to secure a four-wicket victory. He just faced seven deliveries and scored run-a-ball.

Kaif cited Shubman Gill's past injury as an example while criticising the team management, questioning why a similar protective approach was not followed in Washington Sundar's case des...