Former South African captain Shaun Pollock believes Devdutt Padikkal should receive more opportunities following India’s ongoing two-match Test series against South Africa. Even though the left-hander wasn’t picked for either Test, Pollock mentioned that he has always enjoyed watching Padikkal bat.
Padikkal, now 25, has featured in only two Tests so far, making his debut against England in Dharamsala in March 2024. He impressed with a composed 65 on debut but struggled in Perth against Australia, scoring just 25 runs combined in two innings.
Shaun Pollock Says India Need A More Reliable Batter Amid Recent Struggles
Speaking to Murali Kartik about possible changes to the Indian lineup, Pollock said he doesn’t feel strongly about altering the current XI. However, the 52-year-old added that India could use a dependable batter given their recent challenges. He told Cricbuzz:
“I’m not too sure, I’ve always enjoyed seeing Devdutt Padikkal, I suppose he’s the one batter who’s sitting on the outside looking in. There’s nothing that jumps out at me. We’ve seen these young guys and what they’ve done in the IPL. I know it’s a completely different format.”
“As foreigners from the outside, we’ve always been, ‘Geez, you guys have got some batting depth. Look at these young guys, they come in and come out and perform and do whatever.’ You have a team that’s playing Test cricket and the T20 side goes on a different tour, produces and play A sides.”
“So, it’s come as a bit of a surprise. It’s a wonderful time to be an Indian batter because if you put your hand up, like Shubman Gill has done, and say, ‘hey back me and produce’, then you can make a real name for yourself. All of a sudden, India is calling out for someone or people that can be reliable with the bat in a longer format,” he added.
After South Africa posted 489 in the first innings of the second Test in Guwahati, India endured a tough Day 3 as Marco Jansen’s six-wicket haul skittled them out for 201, handing the visitors a massive 288-run advantage. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s quickfire 58 was a bright spot, but India slumped from 95/2 to 122/7 before a 72-run stand between Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar brought some stability.
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