The Indian cricket team is currently undergoing a transition in the Test format. Following the retirements of veterans like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Ravichandran Ashwin, opportunities are being given to new players. While filling the shoes of these legends is undoubtedly challenging, numerous players are vying for each spot. Consequently, any player receiving a chance must prove themselves quickly. However, one young player, Sai Sudharsan, is currently struggling, having failed in the first innings of the first Test against the West Indies.
Sudharsan’s performance in the Ahmedabad Test was disappointing. After dismissing the West Indies for 162 runs, the Indian team began its batting innings. While Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul provided a good start, Sudharsan came in at number three after Jaiswal’s dismissal. This presented a valuable opportunity for the left-handed batsman to solidify his position with a substantial innings in home conditions. Unfortunately, he was dismissed for just 7 runs by a spinner.
This marked Sudharsan’s fourth Test match and seventh innings, yet he again failed to score a significant total. This isn’t the first time the 24-year-old has squandered such an opportunity. Sudharsan made his debut during India’s tour of England in June-July. Following Virat Kohli’s retirement, Shubman Gill moved from third to fourth position, providing the young batsman from Tamil Nadu the chance to prove himself at number three. However, in the subsequent seven innings, he has managed only 147 runs at an average of 21, including just one half-century.
These statistics are concerning for the Indian team, but they are even more problematic for the batsman himself. While it’s true that he is new to international cricket, especially Test cricket, and his debut was in England, where even experienced batsmen struggle, his manner of getting out after getting set is unlikely to please the team management for long. Although the captain, coach, and selectors emphasize giving more opportunities to young players, the reality is that there is no shortage of talented alternatives in Indian cricket right now.
The potential loss of his place in the next series is a concern for Sudharsan. With only four innings for the Indian team to bat in the two-Test series, and with the possibility of India winning the Ahmedabad test in a single innings, every innings is crucial for Sudharsan. If he fails again, he might be excluded from the series against South Africa.