Sai Sudharsan at No. 3: India Finally Finds Stability in Middle Order
Sai Sudharsan at No. 3 is giving Indian cricket fans hope in a position that has lacked stability for over a year. In the ongoing Test series between India and England, he has shown calmness, confidence, and the ability to adapt — qualities that are crucial for success at the top level.
Since the Border-Gavaskar Trophy last year, India has tested several players at the No. 3 position. The list includes Devdutt Padikkal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Karun Nair, and now, Sai Sudharsan. None of them had been able to make the position their own — until now.
India’s No. 3 Struggles
The No. 3 position in Test cricket is one of the most important. It often faces the new ball and needs to anchor the innings. India’s legendary batters like Rahul Dravid and Cheteshwar Pujara made this role iconic. But since Pujara’s exit, the team has struggled to find a solid replacement.
Frequent changes and injuries made the position unstable. Gill, after several switches, finally moved to No. 4 and took over the captaincy. This opened up the No. 3 spot again, and Sai Sudharsan was given another opportunity during the fourth Test in Manchester.
A Big Test at Old Trafford
Before the fourth Test, it was not clear whether Sai Sudharsan or Karun Nair would get the chance. Both were seen preparing during practice sessions. Conditions in Manchester were confusing — cloudy skies hinted at needing extra seamers, but the dry pitch suggested spin would be effective too.
Eventually, India went with just one spinner and added Sai Sudharsan to the playing XI. He replaced an injured Nitish Kumar Reddy and returned to his original position at No. 3. Sai Sudharsan at No. 3
It was a bold call. Sai Sudharsan’s first-class average was below 40, which is rare for a specialist batter making a Test debut. Usually, Indian Test batters average closer to 60 before selection. But selectors, coaches, and players like R Ashwin and Ashish Nehra have long backed Sai Sudharsan’s potential. Sai Sudharsan at No. 3
High Praise From Top Cricketers
Ashwin once saw Sai Sudharsan play a flawless innings in a local match when he was just 17. Ashwin tried to trick him with spin by leaving midwicket open, but Sai didn’t fall for it. His discipline impressed the senior bowler.
Later, during a Tamil Nadu Premier League auction, Ashwin tried to buy him but ran out of funds. At the IPL, Gujarat Titans picked him up under coach Ashish Nehra’s guidance. These endorsements showed there was something special in Sai Sudharsan. Sai Sudharsan at No. 3
Grit and Guts in Manchester
Facing England’s top bowlers in Manchester was not easy. The pitch offered uneven bounce and movement, and the ball was doing a lot early on. Sai Sudharsan showed calmness under pressure. His half-century didn’t come quickly, but it was full of character.
England captain Ben Stokes targeted him early, trying to get him caught down the leg side — a method that had dismissed him before. Sudharsan even got a lifeline when wicketkeeper Jamie Smith dropped him. But this time, he didn’t give up. Sai Sudharsan at No. 3
He played five memorable shots during his innings — two beautiful pull shots, a clean back-foot punch off Stokes, and two classic cover drives. His batting was not just about scoring runs; it was about fighting through difficult periods and holding the innings together. Sai Sudharsan at No. 3
A Battle of Nerves With Ben Stokes
The most intense moment came when Sai Sudharsan pulled Stokes for a four. Stokes clapped sarcastically and tried to get into his head. Sudharsan didn’t back down. He later said, “It was actually enjoyable. When one of the best bowlers is trying to hit you hard and you’re standing there fighting for the team — that’s the best feeling.”
That mental strength is what separates good players from great ones in Test cricket.
What This Means for India
This was the first half-century by an Indian No. 3 in nine Tests. It came at a crucial time — India were trailing 1-2 in the series and had just lost another key batter. Sai Sudharsan stepped up when the team needed him most. Sai Sudharsan at No. 3
With Rishabh Pant likely out due to a suspected foot fracture, his innings became even more important. While others failed around him, Sai Sudharsan stood tall. He may not have been the most fluent, but he brought the fight. Sai Sudharsan at No. 3
The Road Ahead
There will be better innings in the future. And there will be failures too. But what Sai Sudharsan showed in this match is that he has the temperament to play Test cricket. His ability to stay focused, play the situation, and adapt his game is something India has missed at No. 3. Sai Sudharsan at No. 3
India might have finally found a long-term solution to a problem that has hurt them in recent series. Sai Sudharsan at No. 3 is here to stay — and Indian fans can start dreaming again.
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