“Not getting runs for…”- Former BCCI selector slams India’s back-up batters ahead of South Africa series

In the second India A vs South A unofficial Test at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, the hosts went with most of the top national batters for the best preparation heading into the opening red-ball clash at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata from November 14. Barring Dhruv Jurel’s centuries in both innings, all the top-order batters struggled. 

The former selector of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Devang Gandhi, slammed the performance of players- Abhimanyu Easwaran and Devdutt Padikkal, as he lamented the poor back-up options for the Blue Brigade ahead of the Protea series.

See Also: "Not about individual performance..."- Gautam Gambhir reviews India's 2-1 away ODI series defeat vs Australia

“As of now, they should give Sudharsan a longer run because he is young. But all the selectors need to spread out and cover as many domestic games as possible. There is a dry pool of backup batters in the Test format. Sudharsan hasn’t cemented his place.” Gandhi expressed during an interaction on The Times of India (TOI).

Devang Gandhi slams India’s back-up options ahead of home Test series against South Africa

Tamil Nadu batter, Sai Sudharsan, only managed 84 runs in four innings of the series, while Easwaran bagged a pair. Gandhi believed that the southpaw would still stay at number three despite Jurel’s success, which could push the management to play as a specialist batter.

“Padikkal isn’t getting runs even for India ‘A’. Jurel has made a strong case, but there doesn’t seem to be a definite plan regarding his role. And there is no backup opener with Abhimanyu Easwaran inspiring little confidence. This domestic season and the one next year will be hard work for the selectors.” Gandhi addressed the interaction.

“At this moment, Jurel looks to have the best technique to bat at No. 3. But the team management has to be clear with its vision because No. 3 will be a big call. If Jurel is only seen as a wicketkeeping backup for Pant, then it will be a problem in the long run. It’s tough for a wicketkeeper to consistently keep wickets and bat at No. 3 in Tests.” The former BCCI selector concluded.