India's Test Backup Batters Face Scrutiny After Poor A-Team Show
Former national selector Devang Gandhi has expressed serious concerns about India's backup batting options in Test cricket following disappointing performances from several contenders in the recent India A series against South Africa A.
The home series in Bengaluru revealed significant gaps in India's bench strength, with multiple batsmen failing to capitalize on their opportunities against the visiting Proteas bowlers.
Batters Struggle as Selectors Watch
Among the worrying performances was Tamil Nadu batsman Sai Sudharsan, who managed only 84 runs across four innings in his initiation to Test cricket. The left-handed Devdutt Padikkal endured an even more challenging time, scoring just 6, 5, 5 and 24 in his four outings.
The situation was particularly dire for Bengal's Abhimanyu Easwaran, who registered a pair in the series, adding to the selection committee's headaches ahead of the important Test series against South Africa.
The only bright spot emerged in the form of Dhruv Jurel, who impressed selectors with twin centuries in the second game, significantly boosting his credentials as a specialist batsman beyond his wicketkeeping duties.
Selector's Verdict on Current Batting Pool
Devang Gandhi didn't mince words when assessing the current situation. "It's clear that there is a dry pool of backup batters in the Test format," the former selector stated in an interview with Times of India.
Gandhi highlighted the specific concerns about key positions, noting that "Padikkal isn't getting runs even for India 'A'" and that "there is no backup opener with Abhimanyu Easwaran inspiring little confidence."
While acknowledging that Sudharsan deserves a longer run due to his youth, Gandhi emphasized that selectors need to spread out and cover as many domestic games as possible to identify fresh talent.
Jurel's Rising Stock and Selection Dilemmas
Former India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta offered a different perspective on the emerging talent, suggesting that Jurel could be the most suitable candidate for the crucial No. 3 position in the long term.
"At this moment, Jurel looks to have the best technique to bat at No. 3," Dasgupta remarked, while cautioning that the team management needs clarity about whether they see him primarily as a wicketkeeping backup for Rishabh Pant or as a specialist batsman.
The debate around Jurel's ideal position creates an interesting selection puzzle, with Dasgupta noting that batting at No. 3 while keeping wickets consistently in Tests presents significant challenges for any player.
As India prepares to face South Africa in the first Test starting Friday at Kolkata's Eden Gardens, the performances in domestic cricket take on added significance. While KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant had mixed results in recent A games, opener Yashasvi Jaiswal strengthened his case with his 17th First-Class century for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy.
The coming domestic season and the next will be crucial for selectors as they work to address what Gandhi described as "hard work for the selectors" in building reliable backup options for India's Test batting lineup.
