New Delhi: Young Indian batter B Sai Sudharsan is working hard to regain his self-belief ahead of the second Test against the West Indies at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, after a challenging start to his international career.
Since his Test debut, Sudharsan has faced ups and downs, including a four-ball duck on debut and two consecutive matches on the bench. His maiden half-century in Manchester remains his career highlight so far, with 147 runs in four Tests at an average of 21—a modest return for someone filling the No. 3 spot left by Cheteshwar Pujara’s retirement. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate emphasized the competitive environment, noting that “you do fight for a spot” and praised Sudharsan for his determination and resilience.
During a training session in Delhi on Wednesday, Sudharsan was seen putting in extra work, taking throwdowns from close range after regular net sessions had ended. Teammates Shubman Gill and other batters shared the nets, while Sudharsan focused on refining his technique and addressing tactical errors, particularly those from his first home Test in Ahmedabad. Ten Doeschate highlighted the challenge posed by irregular fixtures, noting that gaps between Tests make it harder for young players to maintain rhythm.
Sudharsan’s recent form, however, has shown promise. He scored two 70-plus innings and a hundred against Australia A in Lucknow, signaling readiness for the West Indies series. With the second Test in Delhi offering a fresh opportunity, team management is backing him to capitalize and solidify his place.
The Delhi nets session itself was lively, featuring the team’s openers facing the quicks—Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Nitish Kumar Reddy—while other batters worked with spinners. The session extended beyond schedule, reflecting the squad’s focus on preparation and improvement as the series continues.
Sudharsan’s determination to fight for his spot and refine his game highlights both the challenges and promise of a young player navigating the pressures of international Test cricket.
