India’s batting has become a big concern after its embarrassing 30-run defeat in the first Test against South Africa in Kolkata. Things got worse when Indian captain Shubman Gill suffered neck cramps while attempting a sweep shot and had to leave the field after just three balls.
He soon collapsed in pain at Eden Gardens and was taken to hospital for further scans. Although the Indian captain has now been discharged, there is still no clear update on whether he will play the final Test in Guwahati or not. His involvement remains doubtful.
After the defeat in Kolkata Test, India was forced to rethink the strategy.
This situation has pushed India into a difficult situation. Interestingly, the Indian team came into the Kolkata Test with six left-handed batsmen in the batting order and South African off-spinner Simon Harmer took full advantage of this weakness. Harmer dominated the match, taking eight wickets and exposing India’s one-sided batting combination.
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And now the team has two backup batsmen – Sai Sudarshan and Devdutt Padikkal – both left-handed batsmen. If Gill does not play, India could field seven left-handed batsmen, making things easier for the South African spinners in Guwahati.
However, former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra believes that the host team should consider bringing Ruturaj Gaikwad into the squad, even though he is not a part of the current squad.
Aakash Chopra hails Ruturaj Gaikwad’s surprise Test entry
Chopra feels that if Gill is unavailable, India will have to bring in a right-handed batsman to balance the lineup, and Ruturaj Gaikwad fits that role perfectly as he has been in great form with the bat.
Aakash Chopra said in a video on his YouTube channel, “Should Ruturaj Gaikwad be selected in the Test team? You might be wondering how he can be selected, since the team has already been selected, and no one has left out. There is still no clarity on Shubman Gill’s participation. He has been discharged from the hospital, but there are still question marks over his participation.”
He further added, “If he is not available, you have to play someone. You have Sai Sudarshan and Devdutt Padikkal sitting out – two more left-handed players. You have six left-handed players in the XI at the moment. Do you want to go with seven left-handed players? You probably want to change it.”
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Aakash Chopra highlights Ruturaj Gaikwad’s form
Chopra also pointed to the experience of Ruturaj Gaikwad in the middle order, which India may need right now. He is seen as a technically compact player who handles pressure well. And interestingly, Guwahati is the same ground where Gaikwad scored a T20I century against Australia.
The cricket pundit said, “He is in great form. He is scoring runs for India A in white-ball cricket. Don’t know why he is not played in the format in those days when India A team plays, but wherever he is playing, whether it is Ranji Trophy or Duleep Trophy, he is scoring runs.”
