With just a few days left before the high-stakes Test series between India and South Africa, concerns are already rising in the Indian camp. The two-match series, beginning on November 14 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, will be crucial for India’s World Test Championship (WTC) 2027 campaign. However, the recent performance of India A’s batsmen against South Africa A has raised a few red flags.
India A’s Top Order Falters in Bengaluru
At the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, several senior players who are returning to red-ball cricket were given a chance to find their rhythm. But the outing turned out to be a tough one for the hosts.
Opening the innings, KL Rahul managed just 19 runs off 40 balls, while his partner Abhimanyu Easwaran was dismissed for a duck. Sai Sudharshan, who has been in good white-ball form – could score only 17, and Devdutt Padikkal fell cheaply for five. Captain Rishabh Pant, playing his first red-ball match in a long time, tried to counterattack with a quick 24 off 20 balls, hitting three boundaries and a six before getting out.
By the time the scoreboard read 86 for five, India A were in deep trouble. Dhruv Jurel showed some fight, holding one end and remaining unbeaten on 39, but wickets kept tumbling. India A were struggling at 122 for six when reports last came in.
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Pressure Mounts Ahead of Home Series
This performance is unlikely to please head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill, who are preparing for their first major home Test assignment together. India’s dominance in home conditions is well known, but the team cannot afford any slip-ups if they want to stay in contention for the WTC final in 2027.
South Africa are known to bring a competitive edge in Test cricket, and their fast bowlers will test India’s technique and temperament. The lack of big scores from the top order in the India A match is a clear reminder that red-ball form cannot be taken for granted, no matter the reputation or past success.
A Crucial Test for India’s Batting Unit
The first Test at Eden Gardens (November 14-18) and the second at Guwahati (November 22-26) will be crucial for India’s batting group. With veterans like Rahul and Pant returning, and youngsters like Sudharshan and Padikkal eager to make an impression, India will hope the poor outing against South Africa A was just a minor blip.
The conditions at home will certainly favor India, but form and confidence are equally important. As Gambhir often says, “Talent wins you matches, but form wins you series.”
Now, it’s time for India’s batsmen to prove that they can turn things around when it matters most. The countdown to the South Africa Tests has begun and all eyes are on how India’s top order responds.
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