Indian batter Hanuma Vihari feels for Jalaj Saxena after the veteran domestic all-rounder didn’t get his opportunity for the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. Saransh Jain, the 33-year-old all-rounder, was given his maiden Test call-up for Sri Lanka Tests.
Meanwhile, Saxena is a domestic giant and has performed consistently for Madhya Pradesh over the years. The 39-year-old has scored 7224 runs in 157 first-class matches at an average of 33.75. The off-spinner has scalped 512 runs in his first-class career at 25.45 but he hasn’t yet made his India debut.
“Saransh Jain has been given an opportunity. He had a great Ranji Trophy season. He has done well for India A as well. But he only got the opportunity because Washington Sundar suffered a hamstring injury. I feel for someone like Jalaj Saxena. He is a legend of domestic cricket. But there were Jadeja and Ashwin when he was at his peak. Saransh was at the right place at the right time, so he got his maiden call-up. Such is life and fate. Congratulations to him. Years of hard work has paid off,” Hanuma Vihari said in a video on his YouTube channel.
Vihari said Saransh Jain should be India’s fourth spinner in the playing XI against Sri Lanka if the pitch is a rank-turner at Galle.
“We have to see whether Saransh will get a chance in the playing 11. Manav Suthar did well against Afghanistan. Jadeja is there too. Kuldeep Yadav should start but whether they play him or not is also a big talking point. He should be the third spinner in my opinion and there is no doubt. If it is a rank turner, they can play one fast bowler and also play Saransh as the fourth spinner.”
The 32-year-old added that the Sri Lanka series will be crucial for Indian captain Shubman Gill.
“This will be an important series for Shubman Gill, not just with the bat, but it will be a Test of his captaincy. In these conditions, will he play three spinners or four? We have to see what call he makes. The second thing is how he makes bowling changes, that will also be important along with field placements,” he said.
Vihari added it would be imperative for Shubman Gill to motivate Kuldeep Yadav after he didn’t get his opportunities against England.
“I want Gill to encourage someone like Kuldeep Yadav. He is a match-winner, be it in any format. He takes wickets. If a bowler like him is encouraged by the captain and has that backing, he will do wonders for the team. It will be important how they utilise him.”
The first Test match between India and Sri Lanka will be played at Galle from August 15 onwards.
