Rajat Patidar for Sai Sudharsan: Why BCCI must reward RCB captain with Test recall

Sai Sudharsan vs Rajat Patidar [Source: AFP and @rishabh18v/X.com]

India’s Test cricket team has been struggling to find a reliable No. 3 batter ever since Cheteshwar Pujara was dropped after the 2023 WTC Final loss to Australia. This spot has turned into a revolving door, with players like Karun Nair, and now Sai Sudharsan being tested, but none have truly cemented themselves.

Currently, the young Tamil Nadu batter Sai Sudharsan has been given the role, but his performances have been inconsistent. On the other hand, Rajat Patidar, who has been delivering stellar performances in domestic cricket, has been waiting in the wings for his chance after playing only one series for India in 2024 against England. 

The big question is: who is more deserving of this spot in a team where mistakes can be costly?

Sai Sudharsan's topsy-turvy red-ball career at a glance

Sai Sudharsan has shown flashes of brilliance in domestic cricket. He has scored 2,345 runs in 58 first-class innings at an average of 40.43, including eight centuries and eight fifties. These numbers show that he has the talent and temperament to succeed at higher levels.

However, his transition to international cricket has been challenging. On his Test debut against England in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, he scored 30 and 0 in his first match and was then rested for the next. When he returned, his scores in the series were 0, 61, 11, and 38, a mix of promise and inconsistency. Even more recently, in the first Test against the West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium, he managed only 7 runs off 9 balls.

[Sai Sudharsan's England vs India series stats]

The selectors have continued to back him, citing his youth and potential. He did show glimpses of his ability in the India A vs Australia A series, scoring 248 runs in three innings, including a century and two fifties. But so far, he has struggled to consistently make an impact on the international stage.

Rajat Patidar: A more established name in FC circuit

Rajat Patidar, on the other hand, has been quietly but consistently performing in domestic cricket and in the IPL. Though his initial outing for India in 2024 against England was disappointing, scoring just 63 runs in three innings at an average of 10.50, his recent form has been outstanding.

[Rajat Patidar's India vs England series stats]

In 2025, Patidar led Central Zone to the Duleep Trophy title, scoring a century in the final and consistent big scores in the knockout rounds, including 125 and 66 in the quarter-finals and 77 in the semi-final. He also captained RCB to their maiden IPL title, showing not only batting ability but leadership skills as well.

Statistically, Patidar has 5,120 runs from 71 first-class matches at an average of 44.52, including 15 centuries and 26 fifties. His recent performances indicate a batter in strong form, with a technique suited for long-format cricket. 

[Rajat Patidar's FC stats]

Unlike Sudharsan, Patidar seems more stable and consistent, which is vital for a position as crucial as No. 3.

Conclusion

Sai Sudharsan is undoubtedly a talented young player and could become a star in the future. However, in the current scenario, Rajat Patidar appears to be the safer and more deserving choice for India’s No. 3 spot. With his consistent performances, experience as a captain, and proven temperament, Patidar has shown that he can handle the pressure of big matches, something India cannot risk experimenting with at the top order.

For now, the numbers and recent form clearly favour Patidar, making him the more reliable candidate to fill this long-vacant position in the Indian Test team.

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