Padikkal, Sudharsan Fail to Impress; India A Batsmen Struggle Before Kolkata Test

Talk about a pivotal moment! The recent India A vs South Africa A red-ball game just wrapped up at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, and wow, did it leave us with some major talking points. Our Indian seamers were absolutely firing, showcasing some incredible talent. But honestly, for young batsmen Devdutt Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan, it was a struggle, raising some serious questions right before the big Kolkata Test.

On-Field Drama: Seamers Dominate, Batsmen Falter

Our Indian pacers, Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep, were absolutely **on fire** in Bengaluru. They expertly utilized the green pitch, making life incredibly tough for the South African A batsmen. It was a proper masterclass in seam bowling, and you could just see their confidence building with every delivery!

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But honestly, it was a totally different story for the young batsmen vying for a spot in the senior squad. Devdutt Padikkal scored 24 runs, and Sai Sudharsan managed just 23 runs before being dismissed. They simply couldn’t convert their starts into something substantial on that challenging surface.

Remember that earlier warm-up game? Padikkal made 5 runs and Sudharsan only 17. Their struggles in both matches are really making selectors think. It’s a tough situation for these talented youngsters.

Contrast that with South Africa A captain Marques Ackerman, who registered a **stunning 134 runs** off only 118 deliveries. His counter-attacking century was a highlight, showcasing how to dominate even on a tricky pitch. What a knock, right?

Expert Analysis: Questions Mount for Kolkata Test Spots

Here’s the thing: both Devdutt Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan have already been included in India’s 15-man Test squad for the upcoming series against South Africa, announced back on November 5, 2025. But after these performances, experts are now wondering if these struggles could affect their chances of making the playing XI, especially with the first Test looming.

And what about Rishabh Pant? He’s made an incredible comeback to the Test squad after recovering from a foot fracture! Pant notably led India A to victory in an earlier four-day game with a **crucial 90-run knock**. His experience and form could be a huge factor as selectors weigh their options.

It’s a tough call for the selectors, especially with star players like Shubman Gill, who is captain, and Jasprit Bumrah expected to join the Test squad after their T20I series in Australia concludes on November 8, 2025. They’ve got some big decisions to make before the team heads to Kolkata.

Social Media Storm: Fans Debate LBW Calls and Squad Choices

Of course, social media exploded with fans discussing those **debatable LBW decisions** during the match! Sai Sudharsan’s dismissal caused quite a stir, with many questioning the call. But it wasn’t just our boys; even South Africa’s Temba Bavuma and Marques Ackerman were reportedly displeased with their own LBW decisions.

Everyone’s talking about who should play in Kolkata, and whether these warm-up struggles are a true indicator of form. It’s clear this match has **ignited passionate debates** among cricket enthusiasts across platforms. You can’t escape the chatter!

Road to Kolkata: The Upcoming Test Challenge

The first Test match between India and South Africa is set for **November 14-18, 2025**, at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Talk about a grand stage! Then, the action moves to Guwahati for the second Test, scheduled from November 22-26, 2025, marking the city’s first-ever Test match. That’s historic!

This South Africa series is **absolutely massive** for India, and every player’s form and fitness will be under intense scrutiny. Will the young batsmen bounce back, or will the selectors look to more experienced hands? We’re all waiting to see the final decisions. What do you think will happen?