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India have been urged to give a consistent run to their young batter who is likely to replace injured Shubman Gill for the 2nd Test in Guwahati.
Sai Sudharsan was benched for the series opener. (PTI Photo)
Former India wicketkeeper-batter Saba Karim has urged the Indian team management to provide a consistent run to Sai Sudharsan in the Test format to showcase his talent.
Sudharsan was not included in the opening Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens, which India lost by 30 runs. With Shubman Gill ruled out of the second Test in Guwahati due to a neck injury, Sudharsan is likely to fill his spot in the playing XI.
“India should revert to the combination of two seamers and three spinners, which should suffice on a track in Guwahati. It is important to strengthen the batting order as young Indian batters have not performed well, especially in home conditions. If you have invested in a young player like Sai Sudharsan, he should be given ample opportunity to showcase his talent. Trusting a player allows him to play with greater freedom, which is what you expect from him. I hope Sai Sudharsan will return to the playing XI,” Karim said on JioStar’s ‘Game Plan’.
Sudharsan, who debuted on the England tour earlier this year, has played five red-ball games for India, amassing 273 runs, including two half-centuries. In his last Test against the West Indies in New Delhi, he scored 87 runs, his highest Test score, and added 39 in the second innings, helping India secure a seven-wicket win to sweep the series 2-0.
Legendary spinner and former India head coach Anil Kumble advised the home side to adjust their mindset to excel in different conditions in Guwahati to level the series 1-1.
“This team has demonstrated their ability before. The challenging conditions at Eden Gardens forced batters to think differently, leading to their downfall. It is essential to think in terms of sessions, rather than trying to score quickly. Patience is crucial for both batters and bowlers. Adjusting the mindset is more important than focusing solely on the conditions,” the veteran spinner said.
With IANS Inputs
Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience in digital…Read More
Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience in digital… Read More
November 21, 2025, 14:37 IST
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