Sai Sudharsan walked into the second India vs West Indies Test in Delhi with questions over his spot. By the end of Day 1, he had silenced all doubts with a composed 87-run knock that showed grit, patience, and self-belief.
Proving his place under pressure
Before this match, Sai Sudharsan had scored just 147 runs in seven innings, including one fifty. After his six-run dismissal in Ahmedabad, many thought he might be dropped. But the team management backed him at No. 3, and that trust paid off in Delhi.
Calm and confident at the crease
When KL Rahul fell early to Jomel Warrican, Sai Sudharsan walked in with intent. He began with a crisp boundary, defended solidly, and kept the scoreboard moving. While Yashasvi Jaiswal attacked from one end, Sudharsan held firm at the other, anchoring India’s innings.
Maturity beyond his years
His approach was textbook Test cricket patient, watchful, and precise. He waited for loose deliveries, punished them, and rotated strike intelligently. Even when Warrican and Roston Chase found turn, Sudharsan stayed composed, trusting his defence and footwork.
Backing from team management pays off
India’s decision to persist with Sudharsan now looks justified. Captain Shubman Gill had called for patience before the match, saying Sudharsan was a long-term option at No. 3. This innings proved that belief right.
A knock of promise and poise
Sudharsan missed his maiden Test century when Warrican dismissed him again, but his 87 was invaluable. It steadied India’s innings and changed perceptions about his form. More than the runs, it showed he can handle pressure and hold the innings together.
The road ahead
Consistency will be key from here. One innings doesn’t seal a place, but this knock was a strong statement. Sai Sudharsan has shown he’s not just a prospect for the future he’s ready for the present.
