IND vs WI: Sai Sudharsan faces heat over India’s number 3 spot after numerous failures

Sai Sudharsan flopped again in the first Test against West Indies at home. (AP Photo)

Following his lackluster batting performance in the opening innings against the West Indies in the first Test match at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Sai Sudharsan has come under scrutiny.

Despite great hopes when he joined the red-ball team, Sudharsan has had a difficult time making an impression in the early stages of his career. Sudharsan recently made his Test cricket debut on the England trip. At number three, the management has great expectations for the left-handed batter, who has only scored 147 runs in his first seven innings of play.

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Sudharsan was removed for just seven runs in his first home Test match against the West Indies because he was unable to get going. KL Rahul almost got run out as Sudharsan lost his composure and had a brain-fade moment before being removed.

The left-hander fell in unusual fashion, misjudging the length of the off-spinner. Attempting an ill-timed pull, he was struck on the back leg and caught in an awkward position. With no connection on the shot and no thought of a review, he headed back to the pavilion.

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Former India wicket-keeper Parthiv Patel said that Sudharsan struggled against left-arm spinners and was tentative during the match. He emphasized the value of remaining composed and playing his natural game, pointing out that the young batter felt pressure to solidify his number three position.

“Sai Sudharsan looked a bit tentative today. He usually uses his feet really well, especially against left-arm spinners. With left-handed batters, we know that as soon as a left-arm spinner comes in, we try to rotate the strike and wait for the right ball to go after. But I thought Sai Sudharsan was probably feeling a bit of pressure to score big runs and secure that number three position. He just needs to stay calm," Patel said on Star Sports.

The home team was 121 for 2 at the end of play, still trailing by 41 runs. India's outstanding bowling performance on a day that was momentarily disrupted by rain was highlighted by Siraj (4/40) and Bumrah (3/32).

KL Rahul, who registered the series’ first half-century, remained unbeaten on 53 off 114 balls with six fours. Skipper Shubman Gill offered support at the other end, making 18 from 42 deliveries with a solitary boundary.