“It’s clear that there is a dry pool of back-up batters in the Test format” - Former Indian selector disappointed with India’s back-up batters

Former India selector Devang Gandhi has lashed out at batters Abhimanyu Easwaran and Devdutt Padikkal, who failed to create an impact in the two-match four-day South Africa A series.

On the other hand, Tamil Nadu and India’s No.3 batter Sai Sudharsan managed to score only 84 runs in four innings. Meanwhile, Padikkal had scores of 6, 5, 5, and 24 in four innings while Easwaran bagged a pair.

Speaking to TOI, Gandhi asserted that the selection committee needs to spread out to different parts of the country and watch the domestic games in order to bring in proper back-up batters for the Indian Test team.

“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. It’s clear that there is a dry pool of backup batters in the Test format. Sudharsan hasn’t cemented his place,” Gandhi told the Times of India.

"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,” he added. 

On the other hand, the former India keeper-batter Deep Dasgupta stated that Dhruv Jurel, who scored twin centuries in the second unofficial Test against South Africa A, could be the most suitable option to take over the No. 3 slot.

“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. Or else, he can come in for Reddy at No. 7, even though it’s very low for a proper batter to come in,” Dasgupta told the Times of India.

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