Ex-Indian Cricketer Criticizes Team for Dropping Sudharsan from Kolkata Test

Former Indian cricketer Dodda Ganesh has expressed strong criticism regarding the team management’s decision to omit batter Sai Sudharsan from the playing XI for the first Test against South Africa in Kolkata. Ganesh declared this decision as “playing musical chairs without a vision,” particularly for a crucial position like number three in the batting lineup. He emphasized the importance of stability in this spot.

Changes in the Indian Team

Sai Sudharsan has been a part of five Tests, accumulating 273 runs over nine innings, including two half-centuries and a highest score of 87. His recent performances for India A against South Africa A, however, were disappointing, achieving scores of 32, 12, 17, and 23.

India’s Recent Batting Strategy

Following India’s loss to Australia in the ICC World Test Championship final in 2023, the team has experimented extensively with its number three position. Players like KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Devdutt Padikkal, and Karun Nair have all been tried out. However, the results have been less than satisfactory, especially in overseas matches, with Gill being the only one to perform adequately at home.

Concerns Over Spin Department

Ganesh’s critique extended beyond Sudharsan’s exclusion. He also questioned the decision to field four spinners in the lineup: Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and the returning Axar Patel. He stated, “You don’t need four spinners, no matter how much turn the pitch offers.”

Match Overview

In the ongoing Test match, South Africa won the toss and chose to bat first. By the conclusion of the first session, they had scored 104 runs for the loss of three wickets. Wiaan Mulder (22*) and Tony de Zorzi (15*) remained unbeaten. Jasprit Bumrah shone with the ball, claiming two wickets for just nine runs, successfully breaking a promising partnership between openers Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton.

• Sai Sudharsan’s Test Stats:
  • Total Tests: 5
  • Total Runs: 273
  • Average: 30.33
  • Half-centuries: 2
  • Top Score: 87
• Recent Scores Against South Africa A:
  • 32
  • 12
  • 17
  • 23

As discussions continue regarding the team’s strategy and selections, Ganesh’s comments provide a critical perspective on the challenges faced by the Indian cricket team in maintaining consistency and performance across formats.