Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has thrown his support behind young batter Sai Sudharsan ahead of the upcoming home Test series against the West Indies, starting October 2 in Ahmedabad. Sudharsan has earned a spot in the squad, while Karun Nair has been left out, a move that suggests India may be grooming him as a long-term option at number three.
Despite a shaky start to his Test career in England, Sudharsan showcased his promise with a half-century in Manchester. Pathan emphasized that the youngster now deserves consistent opportunities, noting that the left-hander has the talent and potential to establish himself as a regular in the side.
“Sai Sudharsan, the left-handed batsman, should get consistent opportunities now; in the England series he was on and off, even though he showed his talent. Now looks like he’ll play more regularly, and he absolutely has the talent to be very, very successful,” he said on his YouTube channel.
The 23-year-old has 140 runs from three Tests but boasts 2170 runs in first-class cricket with seven centuries. With Shubman Gill leading for the second time, Ravindra Jadeja has been named vice-captain in Pant’s absence, a decision Irfan Pathan supported.
“This will be Shubman Gill’s second series as captain, and Ravindra Jadeja has been picked as vice-captain. That’s great, he truly deserves it. Jadeja has performed brilliantly and been a match-winner for India, especially in Test cricket. Since Rishabh Pant is not available due to injury, Jadeja as vice-captain is well deserved,” he added.
“Pant’s Absence Big Opportunity For Dhruv Jurel To Shine”- Irfan Pathan
With Rishabh Pant unavailable for the West Indies series, Dhruv Jurel is set to take charge as the first-choice wicketkeeper-batter. Jurel had previously kept wickets in England when Pant was unable to bat, but this time, he will have the full opportunity to showcase his skills in both roles. Irfan Pathan highlighted that this is a significant chance for Jurel to prove his abilities.
“Since Rishabh Pant is unavailable, Jurel gets an opportunity. He’s a talented wicketkeeper-batsman, and this is a huge chance for him to prove himself, potentially even just as a batsman,” he said.
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