Is Sudharsan’s Maiden Test Fifty a Sign of India's Support for Young Talent at Number Three?

New Delhi, July 24 (NationPress) During the pivotal fourth Test against England at Old Trafford, emerging left-handed batsman B. Sai Sudharsan showcased his talent with a steady 61 runs, marking his first half-century in Test cricket on the opening day of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series in Manchester.

After scoring a duck and 30 in his debut Test at Headingley, Sudharsan was included in the playing eleven at Old Trafford, replacing Karun Nair, who accumulated only 131 runs in the initial three matches.

Former Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Parthiv Patel, who closely mentored Sudharsan during his tenure as assistant coach for the Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2025, believes the Indian team is intentionally supporting Sudharsan at the number three position, which he considers a commendable decision.

“From the onset of the series, it was clear that India was backing Sai Sudharsan. However, they altered the combination to include an experienced player like Karun Nair. Unfortunately, despite his impressive domestic form, he could not convert his starts into substantial scores. Now, it seems India is committed to nurturing a young talent, which is entirely acceptable,” Patel shared with IANS during a selective virtual discussion on Thursday.

Since last year's Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia, India has experimented with five players at the No. 3 spot, a position traditionally held by stalwarts such as Rahul Dravid and Cheteshwar Pujara. Sudharsan's 61 runs, a notable performance on a challenging pitch with inconsistent bounce and lateral movement, may have cemented his place as a dependable number three for India.

Patel also mentioned that Sudharsan might feel a tinge of disappointment for not converting his fifty into a hundred. “When you make a comeback after eight years, you typically don't get numerous chances. It's commendable that Sai Sudharsan capitalized on his opportunity and reached fifty. However, knowing him, he likely wishes he had secured a century,” he remarked.

Nair's exclusion now places him alongside Kuldeep Yadav and Abhimanyu Easwaran on the sidelines. Being benched, especially during lengthy overseas tours, can be mentally challenging. The lack of playing time amidst stiff competition can weigh heavily on both Kuldeep and Easwaran, who were sidelined throughout the entire tour of Australia.

Patel empathizes with their situation, recalling his own experiences of competing with players like Dinesh Karthik and Wriddhiman Saha for the second keeper's position behind MS Dhoni. He offered supportive words and insights for Kuldeep and Easwaran, recognizing the mental hurdles such circumstances can create.

“It's certainly not simple to stay prepared without playing. However, moments like these test a player's character. Kuldeep has enough experience, while Abhimanyu has invested significant time in first-class cricket,” he stated.

“Hopefully, they grasp their situation, and this is where the coaching staff's role becomes crucial. I am confident the Indian team is under capable guidance, ensuring they receive the necessary support. From a player's perspective, it’s essential to be ready skill-wise, but even more importantly, be mentally prepared for when opportunities arise,” he concluded.

Catch the fourth Test of India’s tour of England from July 23-27 at 3:30 PM live on JioHotstar.