Archive · 10 Nov 2025
Selectors Face Dilemma Over Back-Up Batters Amidst Poor India A Performances
India's cricket selectors are worried because the players who might play for the Test team if someone gets hurt haven't been doing well.
In recent games for India's 'A' team, many batters who are supposed to be backups didn't score many runs.
One player, Dhruv Jurel, did score a lot of runs, but it's unclear what his role will be.
Another player, Sai Sudharsan, is young and might get more chances.
Experts are debating who should play and how to prepare these backup players.
This is important because India is about to play a tough Test series against South Africa, and they need reliable players ready to step in.
The selectors have a tough job finding good backups for the Test team.
Former selector Devang Gandhi criticized the poor performance of backup Test batters in the India A series against South Africa.
Key players like Abhimanyu Easwaran, Devdutt Padikkal, and Sai Sudharsan returned low scores, raising concerns about batting depth.
Dhruv Jurel was a standout performer for India A with twin centuries, but his specific role in the Test team remains uncertain.
There is debate among former players about the best approach to integrating young talent like Jurel and Sudharsan into the Test side.
The selectors face a challenge finding reliable backup options ahead of the upcoming Test series against South Africa.
- Who
- Former India selector Devang Gandhi, former wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta, and India A batters including Dhruv Jurel, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, and Abhimanyu Easwaran.
- What
- Concerns raised about the lack of form and depth in India's backup Test batting options, highlighted by poor performances in the India A series against South Africa.
- When
- Ahead of the Test series against South Africa, which begins Friday.
- Where
- The India A matches were played at home against South Africa A. The Test series will be against South Africa.
- Why
- Several key top-order batters vying for Test spots scored low runs in the India A series, raising questions about their readiness and the overall depth of backup talent for the Test format.
Selectors' Concerns
Player Potential and Team Management
Depth of Backup Batters
Selectors' Concerns
Former selector Devang Gandhi expresses significant concern over the 'dry pool' of backup batters for the Test format, citing low scores from key players in the India A series.
Player Potential and Team Management
While acknowledging current struggles, the perspective implies that with focused effort and clear plans, suitable backup options can be developed and integrated into the Test side.
Role of Dhruv Jurel
Selectors' Concerns
Gandhi notes that Jurel has made a strong case for inclusion but questions the selectors' lack of a definite plan regarding his role, highlighting the difficulty of finding a clear path for him.
Player Potential and Team Management
Deep Dasgupta suggests Jurel has the best technique for the No. 3 slot but emphasizes the need for clarity from the team management on his intended role, whether as a primary No. 3 batter or a wicketkeeping backup.
Handling Young Talent
Selectors' Concerns
Gandhi suggests Sai Sudharsan, despite not cementing his place, should be given a longer run due to his youth, implying a need for patience and development.
Player Potential and Team Management
Dasgupta's comments about Jurel suggest a potential conflict between developing a young talent for a specific role and the immediate needs of the Test team, indicating a strategic challenge for the team management.
- Series
- India vs South Africa Test Series
- Number of Tests
- Two
- Upcoming Match Location
- Eden Gardens, Kolkata
- Key Concern
- Lack of form and confidence among backup Test batters
- Notable India A Batters Struggling
- Abhimanyu Easwaran, Devdutt Padikkal, Sai Sudharsan
- Standout India A Batter
- Dhruv Jurel (twin centuries)
- Former Selector's View
- Devang Gandhi expressed concern over the limited backup batting options.
- Former Wicketkeeper's View
- Deep Dasgupta believes Dhruv Jurel has the technique for No. 3.
Sources
South Africa A Edge India A To Secure Five-Wicket Triumph Despite Dhruv Jurel's Fighting Century; Senior Bowlers Bite The Dust
India's World Record Broken In 44 Days! Temba Bavuma-Starrer South Africa Creates History VS Rishabh Pant-Led Side
Kuldeep Yadav’s form a concern as South Africa ‘A’ nail mammoth run-chase to land blows on Indian bowling unit ahead of Kolkata Test
India A vs South Africa A: Proteas pull off stunning 417-run chase in Bengaluru
Ashwin finds a future star as South Africa 'A' chase down 417 against India Test bowlers
In-form Dhruv Jurel pushes for Test spot against South Africa after consistent run
Rishabh Pant or Dhruv Jurel? Gautam Gambhir, Shubman Gill told to ‘sacrifice’ one player during IND vs SA 1st Test
Dhruv Jurel IN, Rishabh Pant Returns; 2 Players OUT: India's Likely Playing XI For 1st Test Vs South Africa
Gautam Gambhir, Shubman Gill Asked to Play Both Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel vs South Africa; ‘Sacrifice’ THIS Player
‘You can sacrifice him’: How can India play both Dhruv Jurel and Rishabh Pant in Kolkata Test, former opener explains
Why Indian bowlers' form is under scrutiny before South Africa Tests
