Mohammad Kaif backs Sai Sudharsan ahead of Dhruv Jurel for South Africa Tests

Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif wants the team management to back Sai Sudharsan ahead of in-form Dhruv Jurel for the two-match Test series against South Africa. Sudharsan has not yet nailed his number three position but scored a decent knock of 87 runs in the second Test match against the West Indies at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi.

Meanwhile, Jurel had impressed in the two Test matches against the West Indies in the absence of injured Pant as he had scored 175 runs in three innings at an average of 87.50. However, with Pant returning to India’s Test squad, it would be interesting to note India’s playing combination.

Jurel has been in fine form and recently returned with scores of 132 and 127 in the second unofficial Test against South Africa A while playing for India A. 

Mohammad Kaif said on his YouTube channel, “Jadeja is scoring centuries at No. 5, and Rishabh Pant is in good form. Jurel can wait. He’s a good backup for Pant. If a player is out of form, then he’ll be ready. But right now, it’s too early to fit him. See, Sai is also young. You are not backing 35-plus… If you’ve given an opportunity to a youngster, you want to give him chances. Sudharsan has the potential. If you take a risk on a player, he’s a player for the future.”

“Even Jurel is a player for the future. Whenever you play him, give him 5-6 or 7 innings. He’s shown the potential. He has the talent to play for 10-12 years for India in the future. Do the same for Sai… He’s fit and coming on the back of runs in England. Somewhere, we need to back him. Somewhere, you have to stop,” he added.

Kaif, who starred in the Natwest Trophy final against England, said Jurel’s future is bright as he is a complete player.

“Jurel has an organized technique. Even on Day 5, turning track, you can trust him. He can defend and hit sixes as well. When India were following on against England, he produced solid defence on the turning track. He also hit sixes at will. He can bat on seaming tracks as well.”

“The centuries that came against South Africa A were on a bouncy pitch. He scored back-to-back centuries. A player who can play fast bowling and spin as well. His future is bright,” he added.

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