Sudharsan answers India’s No 3 puzzle with timely half-century

Dubai: In an era shaped by Twenty20 instincts, Sai Sudharsan offered a refreshing throwback at Old Trafford on Wednesday — patient, precise, and purposeful. Yet just when a maiden Test century seemed within reach, an ill-judged pull brought his downfall. Still, the 23-year-old’s composed 61 may prove to be more than just numbers on a scoresheet — it was a statement of belonging.

Back in the XI after being dropped following a modest debut in Leeds, the young left-hander repaid the team management’s faith with a mature innings on a pitch offering variable bounce and under persistent cloud cover. He negotiated tricky conditions to add 75 for the fourth wicket with Rishabh Pant, before the wicketkeeper-batter was forced to retire hurt with a toe injury later confirmed as a fracture.

India ended the innings at 358 after a gritty half-century by Pant, but it was Sudharsan’s knock that stood out — both for its temperament and timing.

“There is a bit of variable bounce and a two-paced wicket as well,” Sudharsan said after the day’s play. “With the overcast conditions, the ball was doing something throughout the day. I thought I played tighter, took some time to settle in, and negotiated it well.”

Replacing Karun Nair at No 3, Sudharsan made his intentions clear — occupying the crease, blunting the swing and seam movement, and cashing in when the opportunity arose. His seven boundaries came mostly through orthodox strokes, underlining a method not always associated with modern batters bred in T20 leagues.

Yet, the moment of regret came in the 74th over — a pull shot, more instinctive than necessary, off Ben Stokes that ended his vigil. Sudharsan looked visibly frustrated with himself as he walked back, aware he had let a golden chance for a maiden century slip.

Still, the innings may have done enough to ease India’s concerns over the top order in transition, which has seen seven different batters at No 3, and possibly moved Sudharsan ahead of Karun Nair in the pecking order.

Speaking about his time away from the XI after the first Test, Sudharsan praised skipper Shubman Gill for being upfront about selection decisions.

“After the first game, Shubby (Shubman Gill) had a conversation with me and gave me the complete picture,” he said. “He’s very communicative, tells everyone what he’s expecting, and reassures players by pointing out what we’re doing well.”

Their familiarity from the Gujarat Titans set-up in the IPL seems to have helped. “It’s been a really great journey to be part of with Shubby,” Sudharsan added.

Asked whether he felt pressure replacing another batter, the left-hander shrugged it off: “I’m not looking at this as pressure. It’s a great opportunity for me to express myself and do the best I can for the team.”

At a time when India are seeking long-term solutions at No 3, Sudharsan’s composed fifty will come as a welcome relief for the team management — a clear signal that he’s ready to stake his claim.