Former India cricketer turned commentator Mohammad Kaif has backed Sai Sudharsan over Dhruv Jurel in India’s playing XI for the first Test against South Africa, which starts at Eden Gardens on Friday, November 14. He also believes that Sudharsan should get more chances because he’s a youngster.

Speaking on his YouTube channel on Tuesday (November 11), Kaif said: “Jadeja is scoring centuries at No. 5, and Rishabh Pant is in good form. Jurel can wait. He’s a good backup for Pant. If a player is out of form, then he’ll be ready. But right now, it’s too early to fit him. See, Sai is also young. You are not backing 35-plus… If you’ve given an opportunity to a youngster, you want to give him chances. Sudharsan has the potential. If you take a risk on a player, he’s a player for the future.”

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“Even Jurel is a player for the future. Whenever you play him, give him 5-6 or 7 innings. He’s shown the potential. He has the talent to play for 10-12 years for India in the future. Do the same for Sai… He’s fit and coming on the back of runs in England. Somewhere, we need to back him. Somewhere, you have to stop,” he further added.

Mohammad Kaif further said that Dhruv Jurel a complete batter due to his ability to play against all forms of bowlers, including pacers and spinners as well.

“Jurel has an organized technique. Even on Day 5, turning track, you can trust him. He can defend and hit sixes as well. When India were following on against England, he produced solid defence on the turning track. He also hit sixes at will. He can bat on seaming tracks as well. The centuries that came against South Africa A were on a bouncy pitch. He scored back-to-back centuries. A player who can play fast bowling and spin as well. His future is bright,” Mohammad Kaif concluded.