3 players who can be picked as Ravindra Jadeja's backups for India's tour of South Africa

2. Washington Sundar

The Tamil Nadu all-rounder was always known for his ability in shorter versions of the game, but when India’s roster continued to shrink owing to injuries, he stepped up. It was a Test debut to savour. Scoring a pugnacious half-century to lift the team from choppy waters, Washington Sundar became a household name among Indian fans after India defeated Australia at the Gabba for a 2-1 series win.

Sundar has proven his mettle for India multiple times in the longer version of the game. With an amazing average of 66.25, the left-handed batsman has plundered 265 runs in just four Test matches. He has an adept technique to deal with the good balls and temperament to stand for longer periods of the game.

He has been on the sidelines due to injury since India’s tour of England and will be really hungry to make a comeback in the longest format of the game. He can be a highly effective fifth bowler in controlling the opposition’s run flow.

He can bowl tight lines around the off stump and stifle the run flow. When there’s some spin on offer, his accuracy makes him extremely dangerous. He has the potential to be Jadeja’s backup for the South African trip.