India’s search for a stable batter at No. 3 in Test cricket has been long and full of changes. Since the Border-Gavaskar Trophy started late last year, they’ve used five different players in that position. It began with Devdutt Padikkal replacing an injured Shubman Gill, followed by Gill’s return. Then came KL Rahul, before Gill came back again as captain and moved to No. 4. That allowed Sai Sudharsan at No. 3 for India to get his first chance. After a brief stint by Karun Nair, the spot returned to Sudharsan.
Ahead of the Old Trafford Test, the decision between Sudharsan and Nair wasn’t easy. Both took part in slip catching drills and pre-match routines. The pitch had signs of uneven bounce, and the weather called for a mix of seam and spin. Eventually, the team went back to its original plan and selected Sai Sudharsan at No. 3 for India , a big decision for someone averaging under 40 in first-class cricket.
A Special Pick Based on Potential
Usually, Indian batters need to average close to 60 in domestic cricket to earn a Test debut. Sai Sudharsan at No. 3 for India, with an average of 39.93, is a rare exception. The last time India picked a specialist batter with such numbers was in 1988, when WV Raman made his debut. More recently, Suryakumar Yadav got a chance with an average of 42.33, but that move didn’t go well.
Despite the numbers, everyone who has seen Sudharsan play has been impressed. R Ashwin, who bowled to him in club cricket when he was just 17, was shocked by his calm and smart game plan. Ashwin even tried to buy him in the Tamil Nadu Premier League but lost out due to high demand. Gujarat Titans later picked him in the IPL, with Ashish Nehra backing him as a future star.
Selectors have often praised Sai Sudharsan at No. 3 for India for two key qualities, his competitiveness and his ability to find ways to score even in tough conditions. These traits made him a strong candidate despite modest stats.
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Grit and Style Under Pressure
Test cricket is tough, and England captain Ben Stokes knew how to test the young Indian. In previous matches, Sudharsan had been dismissed twice down the leg side. As a result, he was dropped for a couple of Tests. But now, Sai Sudharsan at No. 3 for India returned with another opportunity to prove himself, and he did just that.
On a tricky pitch with swing and uneven bounce, Sudharsan stood firm. He later said he “really enjoyed” facing bowlers like Stokes, especially on English soil. Stokes kept testing him with short balls and even tried to get under his skin by clapping sarcastically after a boundary. But Sai Sudharsan at No. 3 for India stayed calm and focused.
He played five outstanding shots in his innings: two classy pull shots with his front leg lifted, a solid back-foot punch off Stokes, and two beautiful cover drives against the spinners. Even though his scoring rate wasn’t quick, he looked determined to make his time at the crease count.
Between scoring shots, Sudharsan looked scratchy at times. He was lucky to survive when Jamie Smith dropped a catch down the leg side, a similar way to how he had been dismissed before. Sudharsan admitted, “If he would’ve taken the catch, I would’ve walked off.” But cricket often rewards courage and effort, and Sai Sudharsan at No. 3 for India showed both.
A Glimpse of Stability in a Key Position
India needed a solid innings after losing early wickets, and Sai Sudharsan at No. 3 for India provided just that. His fifty was the first by an Indian No. 3 in the last nine Tests, which shows just how much the team has struggled to find someone reliable in that spot.
He came in at a tough time, just before or after a session break, with pressure building, and soaked up the pressure calmly. While it may not have been the most fluent innings, it was exactly what the team needed, especially with Rishabh Pant possibly out due to a foot injury.
There will be days when Sai Sudharsan at No. 3 for India plays more freely. There will also be tough days. But his ability to fight and adjust to conditions has given India real hope. He’s not just another youngster; he could be the long-term answer to a problem that’s bothered India for a while.
With this innings, Sai Sudharsan at No. 3 for India has made a strong case to keep that spot. His mix of patience, skill, and smart decision-making could make him a pillar of India’s batting lineup in the future.
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