Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif has backed Sai Sudharsan’s selection in the second Test match against South Africa. With Indian captain Shubman Gill likely to be ruled out of the second game due to a neck spasm, many experts believe that India should include a right-handed batter into the playing XI as they already have six left-handers in the playing XI.
However, Kaif said such theories should not be backed and Sudharsan should be given his well-deserved chance. The southpaw had scored a decent knock of 87 runs in the second Test match against the West Indies at Delhi but Washington Sundar batted at one drop against South Africa in Kolkata.
“When you run so many theories like this, then you will never be able to back a good player. There is already too much thinking about left-handed and all that. It is a Test match, what difference does it make whether a batter is left-handed or right-handed when you have the skill, ability, and defence? If India consider bringing in another player when they are placed like this, just because your existing option is a left-handed batter, then what is the left-handed batter’s fault?” Kaif said on his YouTube channel.
“Sai Sudharsan does not just play left-arm spin well, he plays all types of spin well. He has struck sublime drives off Sunil Narine’s bowling in the IPL, and he is someone who bowls all types of spin. When most batters can’t even read him, a young player like Sai has smashed him,” he added.
The former Uttar Pradesh skipper urged the Indian team management to not do out of the box stuff, which is leading to the team’s downfall.
“India is already doing too much out of the box stuff, so I request that don’t go out of the box once again. Sai Sudharsan should be confirmed in the playing XI now, there should not be even bit of a doubt in the team management’s decision regarding this. Don’t think about bringing someone in from here and there. When you already have a player in the squad, who is already deserving, and someone you have benched after he scored 87,” Kaif said.
Kaif reckons Sai Sudharsan’s confidence can take a hit if Ruturaj Gaikwad is preferred ahead of him in the final XI.
“What has Gaikwad done in Tests? We have already seen Sai hit 87 for India , score runs in England, and is already in line, you will play him only, right? Just because you want a right-handed batter, you bring in a certain player? See, Gaikwad is a good player, but there is a certain way of doing things. Imagine what will happen to Sudharsan’s morale if Gaikwad is brought in,” he elaborated.
India and South Africa will take on each other in the second Test at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati, from Saturday onwards.
