Subramaniam Badrinath picks CSK star among X-factors to watch out for ahead of IND vs SA 2025 1st Test

Former Indian batter Subramaniam Badrinath picked his three X-factor players for the upcoming first India-South Africa Test in Kolkata, starting November 14 (via Star Sports). From the visiting Proteas unit, Badrinath picked young Dewald Brevis as one to watch out for.

The 22-year-old made his Test debut earlier this year in Zimbabwe and has played only four red-ball games for South Africa. Brevis is yet to find consistency in the format, averaging only 23 after six Test innings.

The former right-hander picked another youngster, Sai Sudharsan, as the batter to watch out for from India. The 24-year-old debuted for India in Tests during their recent tour of England.

Sai has played only five Tests, scoring 273 runs at an average of 30.33 with two half-centuries. The South African series could potentially be a make-or-break for the left-hander, given the competition for places within the Indian setup.

Left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav was Badrinath's third and final X-factor player, thanks to his incredible home record. The 30-year-old has picked up 50 wickets in 11 home Tests at an average of 22.46, including three 5-wicket hauls.

"No. 3 belongs to Sai Sudharsan" - Subramaniam Badrinath

Subramaniam Badrinath believes India should continue playing Sai Sudharsan at No.3 over the in-form Dhruv Jurel. Jurel is coming off an incredible home series against the West Indies, scoring a century and a 44 in three innings, in Rishabh Pant's absence as wicketkeeper.

The 24-year-old took his batting form to the next level, smashing twin centuries in the most recent clash against South Africa-A in Bengaluru.

When asked if Jurel should be preferred over Sai at No.3 in Tests with Pant's return, Badrinath said (via the aforementioned source):

"Dhruv Jurel has scored runs only down the order. He has scored only at Rishabh Pant's position. So No. 3 belongs to Sai Sudharsan. He got runs in the latest game against the West Indies. His contributions were minimal in England but crucial. Sai Sudharsan was involved in several good partnerships."

He concluded:

"So I definitely believe he will get an extended run, especially being a left-hander at No. 3. Dhruv Jurel has to wait because his position was down the order when he scored the runs."

With all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy released from the squad for the first South African Test, chances are high that both Jurel and Sai find a place in the playing XI. The latter scored an impressive 87 in the first innings of India's most recent second West Indian Test but struggled to reach a half-century in either of his four innings against South Africa-A.

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Edited by Venkatesh Ravichandran