Aakash Chopra says West Indies series will be crucial for Devdutt Padikkal, Sai Sudharsan and Dhruv Jurel

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra reckons the Test series against the West Indies will be an important one for the batting trio of Devdutt Padikkal, Sai Sudharsan and Dhruv Jurel. The renowned commentator highlighted that Sudharsan and Karun Nair produced similar numbers on the England tour and thus the former will need to prove his mettle.

The left-hander is all set to bat at number three in the two Test matches at home and he would look to grab his opportunities with both hands. 

Meanwhile, Dhruv Jurel will want to deliver in the absence of injured Rishabh Pant, whereas Devdutt Padikkal has been added to the Test squad after consistent performances in the domestic circuit.

“It’s a massive series for both of them (Sudharsan and Padikkal). Sarfaraz Khan isn’t there at the moment. He isn’t part of the team because he is injured. Rishabh Pant will come into the team as soon as he gets fit. So, whoever is playing here, the pressure will be on them. Abhimanyu Easwaran is not there. He is playing the Rest of India’s match. He will also come at some stage,” Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.

“So, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, and even Dhruv Jurel, I think these are very important Test matches. Sai Sudharsan has shown glimpses of his performances thus far. If we see his and Karun Nair’s performances in England, they are almost identical. It’s not a massive difference,” he added.

The former Indian opener added that Sudharsan will need to prove the selectors were right in picking him ahead of Karun Nair.

“It’s an equal contest, but you went towards Sai because he is young. They are thinking about the future. They haven’t gone towards Karun. Sai has to validate that thing. So it’s important for him to score runs here,” he observed.

Chopra revealed why Devdutt Padikkal has been picked for the West Indies Tests. Padikkal recently scored a fine knock of 150 runs against Australia A.

“The same is for Devdutt Padikkal. I am not saying he has broken the line and come ahead. He has come because he played a Test match before everyone else in Dharamsala against England and scored 60-odd runs there,” he said.

The opening Test against the West Indies will be played at Ahmedabad from October 2 onwards.