India’s Test captain Shubman Gill has thrown his full support behind his Gujarat Titans teammate Sai Sudharsan, despite the youngster’s initial struggles in red-ball cricket. Since taking over the captaincy, Gill has overseen a dominant run in the longest format, with nearly every Indian batter stepping up — yet, the search for someone to fill Virat Kohli’s No. 3 legacy continues. While names like Karun Nair have come and gone, the team management sees Sudharsan as the best long-term prospect for that crucial spot.
Sudharsan’s early Test outings have been a mixed bag. In his first three matches on English soil, he managed just one half-century. His first Test on home turf, too, didn’t yield the runs expected of him. Yet, Gill has been quick to defend his Titans’ teammate, urging critics to show patience.
“I don’t really think he’s going through a lean patch,” Shubman Gill told reporters on the eve of the Delhi Test at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. “He had only one innings in the first match. In the Oval Test, he scored a crucial 40 on a tough, swinging wicket. And before that, he got a fifty in Manchester. Not everyone scores every match — young players need time and space to understand their game.”
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Gill’s backing is not just verbal — it’s rooted in trust and mentorship. During the practice sessions ahead of the second Test, the skipper was spotted working closely with Sudharsan in the nets, offering technical inputs and sharing time at the crease during throwdowns. The duo’s bond goes beyond the international arena — having opened together for the Gujarat Titans in the IPL, their on-field understanding is strong and seamless.
Sai Sudharsan’s IPL numbers — including the Orange Cap-winning 759 runs in the last season — underline his talent and potential. However, red-ball cricket is a different challenge, and Gill acknowledges that transition takes time.
“You can’t judge a player on two or three innings,” he emphasized. “Once someone plays six to eight games, only then can you truly assess what needs to be worked on — maybe more domestic cricket, maybe more India A matches. But right now, we feel he’s the right man for the No. 3 position.”
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This statement makes it clear that Sudharsan remains a key investment in India’s long-term Test vision. While his early numbers — 147 runs in seven innings — may not reflect his actual ability yet, the team’s unwavering belief in his technique and temperament is a testament to their broader philosophy under Gill: backing talent through thick and thin.
As India prepares for the second Test against the West Indies, Gill’s message stands out — leadership isn’t just about scoring runs or setting fields; it’s also about protecting and nurturing the next generation of Indian batting talent.
