“He is not getting runs even for India A” - Devang Gandhi’s brutal statement on star batter ahead of IND vs SA 2025 Tests

Former India player and selector Devang Gandhi feels that the red-ball team lacks depth in terms of batting resources amid a major transition period. The Men in Blue are still sorting out their batting unit after successful outings against England and West Indies. Although there is clarity and assurance over the majority of the spots, there are still lingering questions when it comes to select positions.

One such conundrum is the No.3 spot. A void was formed as Shubman Gill took over the No.4 spot following Virat Kohli's retirement ahead of the England series. India tested Karun Nair and Sai Sudharsan for the crucial top-order position, before sticking with the latter as a long-term prospect.

However, the left-handed batter is yet to set fire on the international stage after recording 273 runs in his first five Tests at an average of 30.33. Other candidates that are waiting on the sidelines, as far as the batting department is concerned, are Dhruv Jurel and Devdutt Padikkal.

Gandhi outlined how there is scope for Dhruv Jurel to feature as a pure batter in the playing XI even after Rishabh Pant's return, since both Sudharsan and Padikkal are struggling to make an impact.

“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.

Devdutt Padikkal was called up to the India squad over Karun Nair for the home series against the West Indies, but failed to get a chance as the team went with Nitish Kumar Reddy in an unorthodox combination.

The left-handed batter has played quite a bit of red-ball cricket in recent times, but has been inconsistent. He made an impact for Karnataka in the Rani Trophy, and also recorded a ton against Australia 'A' in September. However, he has a forgettable set of outings in the recent home series against South Africa 'A'.

Padikkal recorded only 40 runs in the two-match affair, managing to only record double figures in just one innings.

"It’s very low for a proper batter to come in" - Deep Dasgupta on how Team India can accommodate both Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel for IND vs SA 2025 Tests

While Padikkal has been struggling for runs, Dhruv Jurel, on the other hand, is relishing a purple patch. The wicket-keeper has scored runs on a prolific basis over the last few months. After recording his maiden Test ton during the home series against the West Indies, he translated the form for India 'A', recording twin tons in the second unofficial Test against South Africa 'A' in Bengaluru.

Jurel's assurance and ability have prompted several to make a case for his inclusion in the playing XI as a pure batter. Former wicket-keeper Deep Dasgupta sees merit in the move, but admits that he might have to bat lower down the order.

“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 first Test between India and South Africa is set to begin on Friday, November 14 onwards at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.