Gautam Gambhir has moved quickly to back Sai Sudharsan ahead of India’s one-off Test against Afghanistan, arguing the Gujarat Titans batter has not been given a proper opportunity to establish himself in the longer format. The head coach pointed to Sudharsan’s overall output so far, while also stressing that judging a player on a handful of matches will not help India build depth for the future.
Gambhir backs Sudharsan for Afghanistan Test
- Gambhir said Sudharsan “has not got a fair chance,” adding that the batter’s prior Test involvement has largely come during a limited window, including stints in England.
- He stated that Sudharsan is not out of form and that India’s selection process must allow players time to find rhythm across Tests.
- The coach noted that Sudharsan amassed 700 runs in the IPL, and warned that evaluating him only on four or five games would prevent the team from developing long-term plans.
In his Test career to date, Sudharsan has made his debut against England last year, and has also played against West Indies and South Africa. Across six Tests, he has scored 302 runs in 11 innings at an average of 27.45, including two half-centuries, with his highest score reading 87. Despite the promise shown, he has not yet converted starts into bigger scores consistently, and he has been dismissed for two ducks.
Gambhir’s confidence also draws on Sudharsan’s recent IPL impact for Gujarat Titans. In IPL 2026, the left-handed batter produced a standout campaign, compiling 722 runs in 17 matches at an average of 45.13, striking at 157.98. He struck one century and followed it with eight fifties during the season.
Why Sudharsan’s Test call-up matters
Sudharsan’s presence in the Test squad marks another key step in a rapid rise for the young batter. He has continued to stand out through domestic cricket and the IPL, where he has managed to combine clean, classic strokeplay with the temperament required for longer spells at the crease.
Selectors have also been encouraged by his ability to adjust his game across formats. While his rise was first underlined in white-ball cricket, his technique and patience have drawn attention as well. His compact approach, composure during pressure situations, and readiness to bat for extended periods are all traits that suit India’s Test requirements.
Spin options and competition in the squad
With India looking at balance for the upcoming fixtures, Manav Suthar and Harsh Dubey are competing for one spot as a left-arm spinner. Gambhir suggested that while the two players share some similarities, their differences—particularly around how they release the ball—could influence which option best fits the conditions.
He explained that the Afghanistan match offers a chance to identify the fourth spinner in the group, since India plan to carry four spinners into the Sri Lanka tour for a two-match series. Gambhir also pointed out that preparations for New Zealand will require a different strategy, and that India may bring in several players who are regular performers in ODI setups but are also capable of handling Test cricket.
As India finalise the combination, Gambhir reiterated that the team understands the need to prepare better for Tests, and that selection will reflect that focus across upcoming venues and conditions.
