Devang Gandhi opens up on India’s batting order ahead of Test series against South Africa

Former Indian cricketer and selector Devang Gandhi reckons India doesn’t have a settled batting order in Test cricket ahead of the two-match series against South Africa. The likes of Devdutt Padikkal, and Sai Sudharsan have failed to cement their places in the team.

Sudharsan has been backed as a long-term number three batter but the southpaw has failed to deliver consistently. The left-hander has managed 273 runs in five Test matches at an average of 30.33.

Furthermore, Padikkal and Abhimanyu Easwaran failed to deliver against South Africa A in two unofficial Test matches.

Meanwhile, Gandhi highlighted that Dhruv Jurel has impressed as a pure batter. Jurel returned with scores of 127 and 132 in the second unofficial Test against South Africa A after delivering against the West Indies.

“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. 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 told the Times of India.

On the other hand, former wicket-keeper Deep Dasgupta said Dhruv Jurel seems to have the best technique for a number three batter but the management is likely to keep backing Sai Sudharsan at one down.

“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.

The opening Test match between India and South Africa will be played at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, from November 14 onwards.