Shubman Gill Supports Young Star Amid Low Scores, Insists on Patience
Amid scrutiny over recent performances, Indian batter Sai Sudharsan has received unwavering support from captain Shubman Gill. Sudharsan struggled in the second Test against the West Indies, which took place in Ahmedabad, failing to make a significant impact. However, Gill has expressed confidence in Sudharsan’s potential as a long-term No. 3 batter for the team.
Shubman Gill’s Support for Sai Sudharsan
During a press conference on October 9 at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, Gill emphasized the importance of patience with young players. He stated, “Young players will not get a hundred in every match. You have to give them the chance and then only decide what else he can do to better.” This sentiment reflects Gill’s belief in Sudharsan’s abilities despite recent challenges.
Sudharsan’s Test Performance
Sai Sudharsan made his Test debut in England and has participated in four Tests to date. In these matches, he has amassed a total of 147 runs from seven innings, with an average of just over 21. His single notable half-century occurred during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in 2025.
- Total Runs: 147 runs
- Innings Played: 7
- Average: Just over 21
- Half-Centuries: 1
Despite his struggles, Sudharsan showcased his talent earlier by scoring two fifties and a century against Australia A. However, in the recent Ahmedabad Test, he was dismissed for a low score, falling lbw to West Indies captain Roston Chase.
Alternatives at No. 3
India’s team management is considering alternative options for the No. 3 batting position. Potential candidates include:
- Devdutt Padikkal: Previously batted at No. 3 in the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.
- Narayan Jagadeesan: Recently scored 197 runs against North Zone in the Duleep Trophy 2025.
While Padikkal impressed with a score of 150 in his first game against Australia A, he encountered low scores of 1 and 5 in subsequent matches, raising questions about his consistency.
India’s Test Squad Composition
The Indian squad for the West Indies Test series includes several prominent players:
- Shubman Gill (Captain)
- Sai Sudharsan
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul
- Dhruv Jurel (Wicketkeeper)
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Washington Sundar
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Siraj
- Narayan Jagadeesan
- Axar Patel
- Prasidh Krishna
- Devdutt Padikkal
The management remains optimistic about Sudharsan’s development as a reliable batsman at No. 3 while also preparing capable stand-ins. This strategic approach reflects a commitment to nurturing young talent in the face of competitive challenges.
