Saba Karim reveals reason behind Kuldeep Yadav’s batting promotion on day 4 of 2nd Test against South Africa

Former Indian wicket-keeper bat Saba Karim gave an interesting take on Kuldeep Yadav’s batting promotion in the second innings of the second Test match against South Africa at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati on Tuesday.

Karim said Yadav was not promoted as a nightwatchman but he was asked to bat at number four after he showed resistance with the bat in the first innings. The left-hander faced 134 balls in the first essay to score 19 runs.

Yadav was able to survive on the penultimate day but he was cleaned up by Simon Harmer on the last day after scoring five runs off 38 balls.

Saba Karim said on ESPN Cricinfo, “Not as a nightwatchman. I want to reiterate that he came out to bat when about 20-25 minutes were left in the game. So, they sent him up because of the solid defensive technique that he showed in the first innings. So far, the number of deliveries he has faced, he looks quite capable of staying there and playing for even more time tomorrow. That’s the reason why he has been promoted.”

Karim urged Sai Sudharsan to take a cue from Kuldeep Yadav’s book and show the gumption with the bat on the final day.

“I look at it as a huge opportunity for him. Can he bat through; can he survive these difficult circumstances? He’s up against some very strong bowling attack. He’ll be up against Marco Jansen with the harder ball and then the two spinners. So, does he have the technique and temperament to survive those difficult hours?

But Sudharsan was dismissed after scoring 14 runs off 139 right after the tea break on Wednesday.

The former Indian selector added that it is going to be a big battle for India’s batting group on day five.

“This is the time for this young Indian battle batting line-up to come good. It is going to be a big battle out there tomorrow. They will be tested. The game plan of South Africa has been so good so far. [Temba] Bavuma has rotated his bowlers very well. He has stuck to his game plan and, so far, it has yielded him some great results.”

After the tea break, India were 105-6.