The pressure is mounting for Sai Sudharsan. As India prepares to face West Indies in the second Test match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi tomorrow, the spotlight is firmly on whether he can finally cement his place at the challenging No. 3 position in the national Test side.
Sudharsan’s journey into Test cricket began earlier this year during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in England. While he managed to score 140 runs in that series, including a high score of 61, his average of 23.33 falls short of the consistent performance expected from an Indian top-order batsman.
Despite a modest first-class record, which currently averages below 40, selectors have shown faith in Sudharsan, banking on his immense potential. This belief largely stems from his explosive form in the IPL 2025, where he showcased his talent by scoring 759 runs and clinching the coveted Orange Cap. However, the true test lies in translating that T20 dominance into the demanding format of Test cricket. With emerging talents like Devdutt Padikkal keenly awaiting their opportunity, Sudharsan knows that consistent performances are non-negotiable.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar’s recent comments regarding Karun Nair’s exclusion resonate strongly with Sudharsan’s current situation. Agarkar emphasized that ‘talent alone is not enough at the Test level,’ citing Nair’s average of 25.62 in a series where he scored 205 runs. Sudharsan now finds himself under similar scrutiny, and his performance in tomorrow’s match could very well dictate his immediate future in India’s Test colors.
While Captain Shubman Gill has publicly backed Sudharsan, stressing the importance of giving young players time to find their footing, the opportunity is ripe. With the West Indies’ bowling attack unlikely to pose a significant threat, all eyes will be on Sudharsan to seize this moment and conclusively establish himself at the No. 3 spot.
This isn’t just another Test match; for Sai Sudharsan, it could be the defining moment of his burgeoning Test career.