Veteran India batter Cheteshwar Pujara has thrown his weight behind youngsters Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair, despite their underwhelming performances at the crucial No. 3 position during India’s recently concluded Test series in England. Both batters were tested in the demanding role across the five-match series, but neither could make a lasting impression.

Sudharsan managed 140 runs in three Tests at an average of 23.33, with just one fifty to his name. Karun Nair, returning to the Test fold after a long gap, scored 111 runs across four innings at an average of 27.75, with a top score of 40. But Pujara, who himself has been India’s most trusted No. 3 for over a decade, believes these players deserve patience and time.

“Look, young players need time to mature. Sudharsan has already shown promise — he has one decent knock. Karun Nair, too, has shown glimpses of what he can offer. You can’t expect every young player to produce hundreds, especially in tough conditions like England immediately. They need backing, and with experience, they will improve,” Cheteshwar Pujara told India Today.

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Pujara also praised the team’s resilience in a tightly contested series that ended 2-2, highlighting the collective effort across the board. “This was a very hard-fought series. To draw it 2-2 away from home is almost like a win. Every player contributed, and that’s the hallmark of a growing team.”

The 36-year-old also expressed full confidence in the leadership of Shubman Gill and the tactical direction of head coach Gautam Gambhir, stating that Indian cricket is in “safe hands.”

“Indian cricket is in a great place. The way these young players have stepped up under Shubman and Gautam shows the promise of this new era,” Cheteshwar Pujara added.

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India’s next Test assignments will be at home against West Indies and South Africa later this year, where this young core will be tested again, but with the growing support and belief from senior voices like Pujara, the future seems bright.