Despite Ajaz Patel’s success as New Zealand’s top wicket-taker in the 3-0 series win over India, former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif remains unimpressed. Patel claimed 15 wickets in the series, including 11 at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium, exposing India’s struggles against spin. However, Kaif dismissed the Kiwi spinner’s performance, arguing that his skill level was no higher than what can be found in Indian club cricket.
In a social media video, Kaif criticised Patel's inconsistency, pointing out how he often bowled full tosses, short balls, and inconsistent lengths yet still managed to take wickets. Kaif went further, calling Patel’s success a result of India’s poor batting rather than the spinner's skill.
Kaif also singled out part-time bowler Glenn Phillips, who took four wickets in Mumbai, noting that New Zealand’s spinners lacked quality, making India’s loss even more disappointing. The former Indian cricketer added that Mitchell Santner, who claimed 11 wickets in Pune before injury sidelined him, was the only New Zealand spinner to deliver a classic Test bowling performance.
Kaif’s remarks highlight his view that India’s batters underperformed against what he sees as ordinary spin bowling, making the series loss even more “embarrassing.”