Former Australian cricket player turned broadcaster Brad Hogg predicts that the hosts would choose to start Devdutt Padikkal at number four instead of Sarfaraz Khan as India prepares to play England in their third Test in Rajkot. He thinks that Devdutt Padikkal, an uncapped left-hander, may be chosen by India in place of Sarfaraz Khan in the playing XI.
Given the absence of experienced batsmen like Virat Kohli and KL Rahul as well as the dropping of Shreyas Iyer, it appears likely that one of Sarfaraz and Padikkal would receive a Test cap on February 15.
With an incredible 556 runs from just four games this season—including a brilliant 151 against Tamil Nadu last week—Devdutt Padikkal has been on fire in the Ranji Trophy. He was also at the top of his game for India A, hitting a century and fifty against the England Lions.
Devdutt Padikkal does bat in more than one position- Brad Hogg on going for Padikkal over Sarfaraz
Brad Hogg outlined his reasoning for thinking that Devdutt Padikkal would currently better serve India’s needs in a video posted on his YouTube channel. At 3:38, he said:
“I think they will go for Padikkal (over Sarfaraz). He has scored a fine hundred against Tamil Nadu the other day. It was a brilliant innings. Coach Rahul Dravid is a big one (admirer) for top-order batters. You need to be able to bat in more than one position and that’s what Padikkal does,”
Sarfaraz Khan have a bit of trouble with pace- Brad Hogg
Brad Hogg witnessed Sarfaraz Khan‘s struggle in the IPL against incredibly fast speed. He believes it would be wiser for India to select Devdutt Padikkal over Sarfaraz because England will be playing Mark Wood in Rajkot.
“We have seen Sarfaraz Khan have a bit of trouble with pace in the IPL. But if he has been working on it, Rahul Dravid has been having him in the nets facing Bumrah and handling him well then I would go with Sarfaraz Khan. But what I have seen outside of the little bubble, I will go with Padikkal. I know I have been harsh on Sarfaraz Khan there, but I love what Padiakkal got to offer with a left-hander in that line-up,” he explained (6:37).
Hogg thinks England can use their Bazball strategy to create pressure on India if they can work out a batting pitch in Rajkot and deal with the threat presented by Jasprit Bumrah. Wood has replaced Shoaib Bashir in the starting lineup for England.
“Looking at the stats, the false-shot percentage is better for England than India and England are playing a more aggressive game. If it’s a flat wicket, I think the advantage could go to England in Rajkot,” he further added (1:04:45)
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