The BCCI’s latest India A squad announcement has raised several questions. The inclusion of Sai Sudharsan as vice-captain has surprised many. His recent performances don’t show the consistency or impact expected from someone trusted with a leadership role at this level.
Sudharsan Named Deputy to Rishabh Pant
Sai Sudharsan, India’s current Test No.3, has been named deputy to Pant for the two four-day matches ahead of the Test series against South Africa. Despite modest returns in recent games, he has been given a leadership role that feels more experimental than earned.
Form Players Left Waiting
Several in-form players who have performed consistently in domestic and A-level cricket continue to wait for opportunities. This decision reflects a growing trend under the current setup, where selections appear based more on potential than on proven performance.
Talent Without Red-Ball Proof
Sudharsan is talented, but his red-ball record doesn’t back his elevation. His 87 and 39 in the West Indies Tests were decent but not convincing enough to seal a permanent spot. Promoting him to a leadership role now, when others are performing better, sends a confusing message about merit and accountability.
Gambhir’s Experimental Approach
Under Gautam Gambhir’s influence, Indian cricket seems to be moving toward experimentation over stability. While the idea might be to build for the future, ignoring players in form for leadership positions weakens the principle of performance-based reward.
Prioritise Results Over Experiments
Consistency and results should guide such decisions, especially when India’s red-ball structure is under scrutiny. Sai Sudharsan’s appointment as India A vice-captain has sparked debate about the BCCI’s selection policy.
If leadership roles are handed out without performance to justify them, it creates confusion and imbalance. India A must stand for form, discipline, and accountability not experimentation. For now, this move adds to the growing feeling that Indian cricket is prioritising trials over trust.
