![Sai Sudharsan [Source: AP Photos/X.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1753180323570_Sai_Sudharsan.jpg?type=mq)
Sai Sudharsan [Source: AP Photos/X.com]
In a time when Indian cricket is undergoing a massive transformation, with legends like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli stepping away and a new captain, Shubman Gill, taking charge, the future seems uncertain yet full of potential. But amid this transition, one promising young player, Sai Sudharsan, finds himself warming the bench. And it’s raising eyebrows.
Former cricketer and well-known commentator Sanjay Manjrekar recently made it clear:
“Sai Sudharsan was always my No. 3 after the first Test match. There was promise shown with 30 runs.”
So if the experts see his potential, why is the Gujarat Titans batter not getting that one chance?
Sai Sudharsan made his much-awaited Test debut for India in the first match of the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England. It wasn’t a dream start, he was dismissed for a four-ball duck in the first innings. But in the second innings, he bounced back, scoring a fighting 30 off 48 balls, including four boundaries. It was a glimpse of his resilience and talent.
In contrast, Karun Nair, another comeback player who had returned to the Indian side after eight years, also got out for a duck in the first innings and managed only 20 in the second.
Despite this, India’s team management decided to back Nair, pushing him up the order to No. 3 in the next match, while Sudharsan was dropped.
Why? Because of experience, perhaps. But is experience the only thing India needs in a rebuilding phase?
Sai Sudharsan's Numbers Don't Lie
If statistics are to be trusted, Sudharsan has built an impressive resume in first-class cricket at just 23 years of age.
- 1987 runs in 30 matches
- Average of 38.96
- 7 hundreds and 5 fifties
- Has batted at No. 3 and as an opener with success
His most recent hundred came for India A against Australia A, where he looked comfortable and commanding at No. 3; India's most crucial batting position.
Add to that his blistering form in IPL 2025, where he won the Orange Cap, and it becomes harder to justify his absence from the playing XI.
Comparing Karun Nair And Sai Sudharsan
Karun Nair’s return to the Indian setup made headlines, and rightfully so. After scoring consistently in domestic cricket, he earned a second chance. But with just 131 runs in six innings in the ongoing England series, he hasn’t quite made it count.
While Nair brings experience, he also brings vulnerability, especially against deliveries that rise awkwardly from a length. And at 33, he may not be a long-term solution.
On the other hand, Sudharsan is young, hungry, and versatile. He has played in tough conditions with Surrey in county cricket and shown the adaptability that Test cricket demands.
Team India is entering a new chapter. With Gill at the helm and senior players moving on, it’s the perfect time to invest in youth. Sudharsan’s defensive technique, back-foot play, and calm demeanor under pressure make him ideal for England's testing conditions.
Moreover, grooming a 23-year-old for the future just makes more sense than relying on a veteran whose best days may be behind him.
India, in this stage of evolution, needs to show faith and patience, especially with talents like Sudharsan. Benching someone in form, who has performed across formats and levels, sends the wrong message, especially when the team is in transition.
The Verdict: One Chance Can Change It All
Sai Sudharsan’s journey has already shown shades of greatness. He has performed in the IPL, delivered in domestic cricket, and even in his short international outing, he hinted at promise.
Yes, Test cricket is tough. But it’s tougher still when potential is not given the opportunity to shine.
It’s not just about one player. It’s about the direction Indian cricket is headed. Backing young, consistent performers like Sudharsan is not just good strateg, it’s essential for building a strong team for the future.
It’s time to stop warming the bench and start building the next great No. 3. Because Sai Sudharsan surely deserves that chance....
