Beyond The Numbers: Why Sai Sudharsan's Batting Tell A Different Story Than Critics Claim

Sai Sudharsan in Test cricket [Source: AP Photos]

The Indian team stands on the edge of the sword at stumps on Day 1 of the decisive Test at the Kennington Oval in London, England. In the 64 overs that were played in the day, India scored 204 runs, losing six wickets.

One of the significant features of this innings was the fact that some of the Indian batters got starts and failed to convert them. One of these batters was India's number three, Sai Sudharsan. After playing brilliantly and setting himself up for a big knock, the southpaw departed for 38 from 108 deliveries.

Since then, there have been a lot of discussions about whether it was his last chance with the Indian whites. Especially given his average of around 25 so far, the discussions are gaining rapid fire. However, if one had seen him bat at the Oval, he would not parry in these talks.

The number three has been a revolving door for India in Test cricket. Since the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the team has made seven changes, and five batters have auditioned for the spot. One more big thing is that he is only the 17th left-handed batter to bat at number three for India. Given the resilience and grit he showed in Oval, it is probably time India moves away from their chop-and-change method and gives a batter with promise some more opportunities. 

In this article, we take a look at the chances of India getting a consistent left-handed batter at number 3 after about 50 years. 

The Statistical Awakening

Ajit Wadekar is remembered as the skipper who scripted India's first-ever series win in the West Indies. Besides being an exceptional leader, Wadekar was also a key batter for the team at the number three position. The southpaw had played 34 Tests at the position for India from 1967 to 1974.

Since then, Vinod Kambli and Sourav Ganguly are the only two left-handed batters to have played more than 10 matches at the position for India. Sudharsan's overall numbers might not look promising yet. Still, looking at the patience and grit he has shown in Manchester and the Oval, the GT opener could be a long-term left-handed number three batter for India after 51 years.

Two Tests, Two Testimonies

Performance Breakdown:

• Manchester 61 (151): Crisis management masterclass, first fifty by an Indian No.3 in 9 Tests
• Oval 38(108): Attritional excellence on green seamer, absorbing new ball pressure

The two knocks display a crucial attribute in Sai Sudharsan that could make him a successful number three batter in Test cricket - patience. He showed the grit and resilience to bat the team out of difficult situations; the only part he needs to work on is converting a start into a big knock.

Notably, Ajit Wadekar was known for his crisis management during his time. In the two knocks in the last two matches, Sudharsan has shown that the same DNA is replicated in him; it just needs to be reflected now in the numbers.

The 108-ball vigil of Sudharsan was an example of old-school number three virtues in the modern era. Eliminating him from the side despite showing the parts under difficult conditions would be the murder of the hope and possibility for India to get a number three left-handed batter in Test cricket after 50 years.

The Renaissance Of India's Number 3

While fans and critics are jumping to conclusions, the Indian management needs to take time and think. At 23, Sudharsan presents a long-term solution to the number-three slot for India.

Besides, one must remember that the most successful number threes in the history of the game were backed by their management during the early days. Batting at number three is not the easiest of the jobs, and when you have got a batter who is showing the parts to fit the role, India should not give up early.

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