Former India spinner turned analyst R Ashwin has backed Sai Sudharsan to get another chance in the second Test of the two-match series against the West Indies, slated to start on Friday, October 10, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.

Speaking on his YouTube channel on Thursday, October 9, Ashwin said, “So, I really hope he capitalizes on that innings in Delhi. He is young, very motivated, high-quality player. I really hope he gets runs in this game. Because otherwise, with the competition that is there in the Indian Test side, I think he could find it a little uphill after this. For that reason, I think this Test match is very, very important. I really hope he plays this Test match. I think they should give him another go.”

“The team that won, should keep the same team. I think there is a lot of discussion on Sai Sudarsan. But I really hope the kid gets another go. He has a lot of ability. He has batted well in tough conditions in England too. So, I hope they give him a go. Because Devdutt Padikkal is breathing very strongly under his neck,” he added. “I think Sai Sudharsan is temperamentally very sound. But I have no idea how he is treating him inside. What sort of bubble he is in and all that, I am not very sure. But for Sai Sudarshan, to cement his place, you won’t get a better series than this.”

However, R Ashwin also recalled the impressive performances of another star batter, Devdutt Padikkal and Abhimanyu Easwaran during the practice game ahead of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy as well.

“I remember, we played a practice match in Perth before the Australia test match. Devdutt and Abhimanyu Easwaran in Perth. India bowled us out in the first innings. The next day, they played for two hours without wickets. And on really tough conditions against Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah. They didn’t give us any wickets. And they played fabulously well. Devdutt Padikkal was unbelievably good. So, Devdutt Padikkal is breathing under Sai Sudarshan’s throat a little bit. I think it’s good for the game. It’s good for in-game cricket. But it’s a very important test match for Sai Sudharsan,” R Ashwin concluded.