India’s disappointing ODI series defeat to England has sparked widespread debate, with much of the conversation centred on the future of Rohit Sharma. However, former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes the attention is being directed towards the wrong issue. Instead, he feels India’s bowling attack has emerged as the team’s biggest concern following another underwhelming overseas campaign.

India suffered a 27-run defeat in the third ODI at Lord’s on Sunday, handing England the series. Led by Shubman Gill, the visitors struggled to contain England’s batting lineup, conceding 387 runs after being asked to bowl first. Injuries to key players forced India to field an inexperienced bowling attack, while Kuldeep Yadav remained on the sidelines throughout the ODI series despite changes to the playing XI.

Mohammad Kaif highlights India’s biggest concern

Reacting to India’s performance, Kaif said the team’s bowling problems deserve far greater attention than the constant discussions surrounding Rohit. According to him, India need to strengthen their bowling unit if they hope to challenge for major ICC trophies.

“The real problem in the Indian team is the bowling. We have to aim for the eye of the fish, and instead we are aiming at Rohit Sharma’s form and all that nonsense,” Kaif said on Cricbuzz.

He further questioned whether India’s current bowling attack has the ability to defend competitive totals when the batting unit has an off day. Kaif also urged captain Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir to focus on improving the bowling department, fielding standards and managing the growing list of injuries within the squad.

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India’s bowling struggles continue against England

India’s bowling attack endured a difficult series, failing to dismiss Joe Root even once across the three ODIs. In the series decider, the visitors leaked 82 runs in the final five overs, with Jos Buttler’s explosive 41 off just 13 deliveries pushing England close to the 400-run mark. The injury crisis further complicated India’s plans, with Hardik Pandya, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah and Washington Sundar all unavailable at different stages of the tour.

Captain Gill also admitted after the match that India’s bowling performance, particularly during the Powerplay and death overs, proved costly. The defeat capped off a disappointing tour for the Men in Blue, who managed just one victory across the Ireland and England assignments while losing three consecutive series across two formats.

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