Cricket pundit R Ashwin recently praised rising star Sai Sudharsan for his impressive half-century at number three, drawing comparisons to legends like Rahul Dravid and Cheteshwar Pujara, while also criticizing the Indian team management for their handling of Karun Nair.
Ashwin’s Strong Stance on Team Selection
Former India off-spinner R Ashwin didn’t hold back, expressing his disappointment with how the Indian team managed Karun Nair. He believes the team hurt Nair’s confidence by constantly changing his batting position, especially at a crucial No. 3 slot in Tests.
Nair had initially batted at No. 6 in the first Test, but was then moved to No. 3 for the subsequent matches at Edgbaston and Lord’s. Despite getting starts with scores of 31, 26, 40, and 14, he couldn’t convert them into big innings.
According to Ashwin, Karun Nair is not a natural No. 3 batsman. Placing him there disrupted his mindset. This sentiment was echoed on Ashwin’s YouTube channel, ‘Ash ki Baat’.
Gill’s Backing vs. Team’s Decision
Interestingly, prior to Nair being dropped for the Manchester Test, India captain Shubman Gill had publicly supported him. Gill acknowledged the difficulty of making a comeback in a tough series and shifting batting positions, stating there was “no issue with his batting.”
Despite this backing, Sai Sudharsan returned to the squad in Nair’s place. This decision sparked a debate about consistent player management and confidence-building within the team.
Sai Sudharsan’s Breakthrough Knock
While Karun Nair faced struggles, Sai Sudharsan seized his opportunity with both hands. Making a comeback at No. 3, he delivered a stoic half-century in the fourth Test, helping India stabilize after losing early wickets.
The young Tamil Nadu batter showed immense composure, crafting his maiden Test half-century (61 runs) over 196 minutes at the crease. This performance was particularly impressive given he had been dropped earlier and the team was trailing 1-2 in the series.
A Nod to Dravid and Pujara
Ashwin was effusive in his praise for Sudharsan’s maturity, comparing his batting style to India’s legendary No. 3 batsmen, Rahul Dravid and Cheteshwar Pujara.
“Sai Sudharsan showed that sort of solidity,” Ashwin remarked, highlighting his ability to leave the ball and negotiate tough phases. He added that Sudharsan “earned the right to score those runs” and expressed a slight disappointment that the youngster missed out on a well-deserved century, given his “big appetite for runs.”
- R Ashwin criticized India’s team management for misusing Karun Nair at No. 3.
- Sai Sudharsan scored a crucial half-century at No. 3 after being recalled.
- Ashwin compared Sudharsan’s solidity and composure to Rahul Dravid and Cheteshwar Pujara.
- Karun Nair was dropped despite initial support from captain Shubman Gill.
Sudharsan’s performance offers a glimpse into a potential long-term solution for India’s crucial No. 3 spot, while also reigniting discussions on how emerging talents are nurtured within the national setup.
