Follow UsFormer wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel believes Sai Sudharsan is putting unnecessary pressure on himself by trying too hard to score big and lock down the No. 3 spot in the Indian Test side. On day one of the first Test against West Indies, the left-hander looked unsure at the crease and was dismissed for 7 off 19.
The Tamil Nadu batter made his Test debut in England, where he registered scores of 0, 30, 61, 0, 38 and 11 across three matches. He then impressed against Australia A with knocks of 73, 75 and 100 in three innings, but appeared completely out of rhythm versus West Indies.
Sudharsan also had a lapse in judgment when he almost ran KL Rahul out, leaving the senior batter visibly angry. Known for his skill against spin, he fell to West Indies captain Roston Chase after misreading the length. He went back to pull, missed the ball, and was trapped plumb in front.
“Sai Sudharsan looked a bit tentative today. He usually uses his feet really well, especially against left-arm spinners. With left-handed batters, we know that as soon as a left-arm spinner comes in, we try to rotate the strike and wait for the right ball to go after. But I thought Sai Sudharsan was probably feeling a bit of pressure to score big runs and secure that number three position. He just needs to stay calm,” Patel said on Star Sports.
Patel, however, lauded KL Rahul for continuing the discipline he showed during the England tour, where he amassed 532 runs in 10 innings at an average of 53.20. Rahul is unbeaten on 53 off 114 balls, with India only 41 runs behind and eight wickets still in hand.
"Today, as well, he played the situation really well. The West Indies opening bowling pair was disciplined, and KL gave them the respect they deserved. He gave himself that time to settle, and once he was set, we saw him using his feet and rotating the strike,” said Patel.
“He looks much more in control and settled now. I think that hundred against Australia A also gave him a lot of confidence, because when you head into a Test series after scoring so many runs, it makes a difference. It's been an outstanding year for KL Rahul, his second-best after 2017. I think he will surpass that record this year because he is looking in very good shape."