New Chandigarh: India head coach Gautam Gambhir has confirmed that young left-handed batter Sai Sudharsan will bat at the crucial No. 3 position in the upcoming one-off Test against Afghanistan, ending speculation over India’s batting order ahead of the match. Speaking ahead of the Test, Gambhir expressed confidence in Sudharsan’s abilities and said the youngster deserved a consistent opportunity in the longest format. The India coach remarked that Sudharsan “hasn’t got a fair chance” so far and backed him to make the position his own with an extended run in the side.
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The decision comes at a time when India are looking to establish stability at No. 3, a position once occupied by stalwarts such as Rahul Dravid and Cheteshwar Pujara. In recent years, several players have been tried in the role without a long-term solution emerging. Sudharsan, who has impressed with his performances in domestic cricket and the IPL, has been viewed as one of India’s most promising red-ball prospects. The 24-year-old’s sound technique and temperament have earned praise from selectors and the team management, who see him as a potential long-term option in the top order.
India will take on Afghanistan in the one-off Test beginning on June 6 in New Chandigarh as part of their ongoing World Test Championship campaign. With Gambhir publicly backing Sudharsan for the key batting slot, the spotlight will be firmly on the young batter as he looks to justify the faith shown in him by the team management.
