It was a heartwarming moment at Headingley as Cheteshwar Pujara handed over the India Test cap to Sai Sudharsan, marking the latter’s debut in the longest format. Sudharsan became India’s 317th Test cricketer ahead of the opening match of the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy on June 20, and is expected to slot into the pivotal number three position—a role Pujara himself embodied for over a decade.
The symbolic gesture wasn’t lost on fans or pundits. Though Pujara hasn’t officially retired, he’s been out of the Test setup since the World Test Championship final in 2023, with his once immovable No. 3 spot up for grabs. Shubman Gill initially took over the role, but after a mixed run and his recent elevation to captaincy following Virat Kohli’s retirement, he has now opted to move to No. 4.
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With the top-order reshuffle, Sudharsan, a promising batter from Tamil Nadu, now steps into one of the most demanding positions in Test cricket. The cap presentation by Pujara felt like a passing of the baton, a nod to the legacy of discipline, resilience, and calmness that the No. 3 spot demands.
Social media was quick to celebrate the moment. One fan posted, “From one No.3 to another… Pujara giving the cap to Sai is a beautiful passing of the torch.” Another said, “Pujara to Sudharsan isn’t just a handover — it’s the transfer of grit, silence, and substance.”
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Sudharsan has already proven his mettle in domestic cricket, with 1,957 runs in 29 First-Class matches at an average just shy of 40. Now, with the cap in hand and expectations high, a new chapter begins at the very spot where legends once stood.
As expected, Sai Sudharsan has been handed a Test cap. He’s impressed everyone who has watched him. Handed the cap by Cheteshwar Pujara. Sort of a passing of the baton, even though Che would believe he’s far from done. #ENGvIND
— Saurabh Somani (@saurabh_42) June 20, 2025
Cheteshwar Pujara hands the Test Cap over to Sai Sudharsan 🥹❤️
Legacy of No 3…..!!!#SaiSudarshan #Pujara #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/aMCZrVMFBW
— Dipanjan Chatterjee (@I_am_DipCh) June 20, 2025
Sai Sudharsan receives his Test cap! And from Cheteshwar Pujara no less.
Should be batting at 3. And it’s pretty fitting he received it from a man who owned that spot for a decade or so. If there’s anyone who can own that spot again for a long time, it is Sai. Go well! #ENGvIND
— Soorya Sesha (@sooryasesha7) June 20, 2025
Pujara ne Sai Sudharsan ko di apni pehli Test cap…!! 🥹
No.3 ka asli legacy pass ho gaya aaj…❤️
From the Wall 2.0 to the next Gen!#INDvENG #SaiSudharsan— Sourabh Kumar (@iamsourabh1818) June 20, 2025
India’s former No.3 Cheteshwar Pujara handed India’s new No.3 Sai Sudharsan the Test cap. 🥹❤️
That’s what you call the exact HANDOVER 🤝#ENGvIND #ENGvsIND #INDvsENGTest pic.twitter.com/YpMuQJ9RFJ
— Suman18 (@king__sumanx) June 20, 2025
