In the second Test match against West Indies, India’s Sai Sudharsan scored an impressive 87 runs. Despite his strong performance, India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak cautioned the young talent about a technical flaw in his game.
Sai Sudharsan’s Performance Analysis
Playing at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Sudharsan faced a total of 165 balls during his innings. His dismissal occurred when he attempted a shot off vice-captain Jomel Warrican’s turning delivery and was caught in front of the stumps. Kotak highlighted that Sudharsan struggled with space while playing on the back foot, which led to his dismissal.
Technical Adjustments Underway
Kotak expressed confidence in Sudharsan’s skills against spin, noting his background from Tamil Nadu, a region known for turning wickets. He indicated that while Sudharsan usually manages to handle spin effectively, adjustments are necessary regarding his shots played on the back foot, especially with very full deliveries.
- Sudharsan’s first Test cap was awarded earlier this year in England.
- Before this Test, he scored 147 runs across seven innings.
- Criticism had surrounded his place in the team due to declining performance.
Partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal
After KL Rahul’s dismissal, Sudharsan partnered with Yashasvi Jaiswal. The duo formed a significant 193-run partnership for the second wicket, placing India in a dominant position. Jaiswal’s performance also drew attention as he scored an unbeaten 173 runs from 253 balls, marking his seventh Test century.
Endurance and Determination on the Field
Kotak praised Sudharsan’s mental toughness and consistency despite the criticism he faced. He emphasized the importance of the pair’s determination, particularly Jaiswal’s aggressive approach and Sudharsan’s measured innings. Kotak described Sudharsan as someone who maintains his playing style under pressure, focusing on merit and shot selection.
As India continues in the Test series, the young batsman’s journey will be closely monitored, particularly as he addresses his technical challenges and strives to build on his capabilities in the future.
