The decision to leave out promising left-hander B Sai Sudharsan has created a major debate before the South Africa series. Fans were shocked to see Sai Sudharsan Dropped for 1st Test, especially after his recent good form with the bat.
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Selection Sparks Debate After Sudharsan’s Removal
Just before the first Test at Eden Gardens, the news of Sai Sudharsan Dropped for 1st Test spread quickly, leaving supporters confused. Sudharsan had scored 87 and 39 in his last Test, yet he did not find a place in the playing XI. The move surprised many because he has been seen as a long-term option for the No. 3 position after Cheteshwar Pujara.
India went with a bowling-heavy lineup, picking four spinners, two fast bowlers, and two specialist wicketkeepers. This unusual combination raised questions, especially with Sai Sudharsan Dropped for 1st Test despite being one of the most promising youngsters in the Test setup.
Former cricketer Dodda Ganesh expressed strong disappointment on social media. He wrote that Sai Sudharsan Dropped for 1st Test made no sense, and he criticised the team for experimenting too much with the No. 3 position. He added that Test cricket requires stability and backing young players, something he felt the team failed to do here.
Ganesh further questioned the need for four spinners, hinting that the management may have misunderstood the conditions. His repeated frustration came mainly from seeing Sai Sudharsan Dropped for 1st Test when India needed a reliable top-order batter during an important series.
The former India pacer also said that dropping Sudharsan sends the wrong message to young players who perform well but still get removed without clear explanation. For many fans and experts, Sai Sudharsan Dropped for 1st Test looked like a decision taken without long-term planning.
Gill Avoids Clear Explanation, Focus Remains on Team Goals
During the toss, captain Shubman Gill was asked directly why Sai Sudharsan Dropped for 1st Test happened, but Gill chose not to give any specific reason. Instead, he focused on the pitch, the team’s mindset, and the importance of the two-Test series. Gill said the surface looked good for batting at the start but might help spinners later, which explained the heavy bowling selection.
Gill praised the team atmosphere, saying India’s Test group is extremely hungry to perform. He repeated that these matches are very crucial for their World Test Championship campaign. However, because Sai Sudharsan Dropped for 1st Test was not addressed directly, fans felt even more confused about the logic behind the call.
The Indian captain also confirmed the return of Rishabh Pant and Axar Patel, both of whom strengthened India’s balance. But despite these positives, the question of Sai Sudharsan Dropped for 1st Test continued to dominate conversations online.
Many former players believed that Sudharsan deserved a longer run, especially after delivering strong performances early in his career. As the debate grew, cricket supporters noted that Sai Sudharsan Dropped for 1st Test might affect the confidence of a young batter who has shown promise in every opportunity so far.
As the match began in Kolkata, the focus was not only on the cricket but also on whether the selection gamble—highlighted by Sai Sudharsan Dropped for 1st Test—would work in India’s favour. The team’s performance over the next few days will decide whether this bold selection move was correct or whether the criticism was justified.
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source: NDTV Sports
