“India is facing musical chairs without a vision” - Former India cricketer slams team management in IND vs SA 2025 1st Test

Former India cricketer Dodda Ganesh has slammed the team management for dropping Sai Sudharsan from the playing XI for the first Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens, starting on Friday, November 14. The cricketer-turned-coach said the Indian cricket team is playing musical chairs without a vision for the number three slot. He added that the hosts didn’t need four spinners in home conditions.

The 52-year-old wrote on X:

“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 Sai Sudharsan these tests. U don’t need 4 spinners no matter how much turn the pitch offers,” he added.

Apart from Sudharsan, the Men in Blue tried skipper Shubman Gill and Karun Nair at No. 3. While Gill switched to No. 4 after a brief stint, Nair was dropped following his modest performance in the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in England.

Sudharsan’s omission from XI came after he managed scores of 32, 12, 17, and 23 in the two practice matches for India A against South Africa A. The left-handed batter, however, slammed 87 and 39 in his last Test against the West Indies one month ago.

Overall, he has amassed 273 runs in nine innings at an average of 30.33, including two half-centuries. In his First-Class career, the 24-year-old has 2,562 runs in 38 matches (65 innings) at an average of 39.41, hitting eight tons and nine half-centuries.

---

India slot two wicketkeepers to include Dhruv Jurel in playing XI; slot Washington Sundar at No. 3

The hosts picked two wicketkeepers as Rishabh Pant made his comeback after recovering from an injury. Dhruv Jurel retained his place following his twin centuries for India A against South Africa A in the second practice match. The right-handed batter slammed his maiden Test ton against the West Indies in October.

Overall, Jurel has scored 430 runs in 11 innings at an average of 47.77, including a century and a fifty. He is equally brilliant in his First-Class career, scoring 2146 runs in 30 matches (44 innings) at an average of 58, hitting five tons and 13 half-centuries.

Interestingly, all-rounder Washington Sundar was slotted at No. 3 in the team sheet for the Men in Blue. The 26-year-old has 761 runs in 15 Tests (25 innings), averaging 44.76, including one century and five fifties. In his First-Class career, the left-hander has scored 2,030 runs in 44 matches (71 innings) with the help of three centuries and 11 fifties.

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and elected to bat.

Follow the IND vs SA 2025 1st Test live score and updates here.

Follow IPL Auction 2025 Live Updates, News & Biddings at Sportskeeda. Get the fastest updates on Mega-Auction and cricket news

Edited by James Kuanal