Test selection slammed by ex-India star, highlighting team’s decision to drop B Sai Sudharsan

Team India’s decision to drop B Sai Sudharsan for the first Test against South Africa has triggered a massive backlash on social media.

Despite making scores of 87 and 39 in his last Test for India, Sai Sudharsan had no place in the team for the first Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens that began today, on November 14. He was replaced by DhruvJurel in the Indian team as skipper Shubman Gill and head coach GautamGambhirwent ahead with a bowling-heavy side. This triggered a backlash on social media.

B Sai Sudharsan dropped sparked outrage among fans on social media.

India named four spinners and two pacers for the Test against South Africa, while also picking two specialist wicket-keeper batters in the team. However, this didn’t sit well with fans, who criticised the team composition, sparking a big debate on social media. Sudharsan is seen as India’s long-term bet for the No. 3 spot. He was drafted into the team after CheteshwarPujara’s exit. Now, one of India’s former cricketers, Dodda Ganesh, took a sharp swipe at the decision.

What did Dodda Ganesh say on the matter?

Dodda Ganesh took to X to slam the team selection. He wrote, “Why would you drop Sai Sudharsan? Makes no sense whatsoever.” In another post on X, he wrote, “The no 3 in the batting lineup is the most important slot in a test XI & India is playing musical chairs without a vision. Can’t believe this is happening at the test level. Should’ve given these tests to Sai Sudharsan. You don’t need four spinners, no matter how much turn the pitch offers.” At the toss, Indian skipper Shubman Gill refused to explain the reason behind the change. He said, “I think the only toss that I’m going to win is hopefully in the WTC finals. Yeah. Looks like a good surface. Hopefully, we’ll get some movement early, hopefully we’re able to extract that. Dressing room is pretty amazing. This Test bunch is very hungry and is always determined to perform every time we come out.”

Gill added, “These two test matches for us are very crucial and we’re as hungry as ever. Looks like a good surface. It’s going to be a good surface for the first day or a couple of days. And then, hopefully, we’ll get some turn as the game goes on. Rishabh comes back in place of Reddy since we last played. And Axar is also back in the side.”