Sai Sudharsan’s struggles in red-ball cricket continued as India slipped into serious trouble on Day 3 of the second Test against South Africa at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. Stepping into the XI in place of the injured Shubman Gill, the young left-hander carried the responsibility of stabilising India’s innings. However, he once again failed to justify the faith shown by head coach Gautam Gambhir and the selectors.
On a surface where South Africa confidently piled up 489 runs in their first innings, India’s batting unit looked uncomfortable from the start. Losing KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal early, India needed Sai to anchor the innings and build a partnership. Instead, the pressure seemed to weigh heavily on him as he failed to convert another start.
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His dismissal was a soft one. Simon Harmer delivered a short ball, inviting the pull shot, and Sai obliged. But the execution lacked conviction. Ryna Rickelton, positioned perfectly at mid-wicket, initially fumbled the chance but showed sharp reflexes to complete the catch on the second attempt. Sudharsan’s stay ended at 15 off 40 balls, increasing India’s troubles at a crucial juncture.
Left out of the first Test in Kolkata, this match was an opportunity for Sai to make a strong statement. Instead, his inconsistency has raised fresh questions about his readiness for Test cricket and India’s depth in the middle order.
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Fans expressed their frustration across social media, reacting sharply to yet another underwhelming outing from the young batter.
Here’s how fans react to Sai Sudharsan’s another flop show:
Even with all the favoritism in the world, Sai Sudharsan will never be HIM‼️
pic.twitter.com/298UdmeDKz— sir jacob bethell (@bet_helll) November 24, 2025
This Ka*llu Sai Sudarshan Is A Fraud. He’s Getting So Many Chances Because He’s Gill’s Friend, While Other Players Are Dropped After Just One or Two Matches. Sai Wasn’t Even Selected Based On His Domestic Performance, He Was Selected For Tests Based On His IPL Performance 😂. pic.twitter.com/ufEmTsl4KB
— Aufridi Chumtya (@ShuhidAufridi) November 24, 2025
If India wants to seriously compete in Tests going forward, some hard calls are needed -KL Rahul has to go, Sai Sudharsan isn’t a long-term No.3, you can’t overload the XI with all-rounders, the spin department needs fresh faces, and need a pacer instead of Siraj for the old ball
— SKIPPER (@skipperjatt) November 24, 2025
Sai Sudarshan
* 39 avg in the domestic
* 28 avg in Test
* Came into test team on IPL runs
* TN Ranji coach said his technique is not good enough for Test cricket
* Indian Assistant coach admitted his technique against Spin is not goodPlaying on GT Captain Quota? #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/ul8U9pcWzJ
— 𝗕𝗥𝗨𝗧𝗨 (@Brutu24) November 24, 2025
Sai Sudharsan has been continuously playing at No. 3 but is not able to deliver runs consistently.. neither in England, nor against West Indies, and not even against South Africa. So why not give a chance to someone like Sarfaraz Khan, who is being repeatedly ignored? #INDvsSA pic.twitter.com/ytvXKa2AOc
— Devesh Pandey (@devveshpandey) November 24, 2025
I am yet to be convinced about Sai Sudharsan’s quality, but for any cricketer, this constant chopping and changing and pressure adds up. And these days- from the outside at least – there seems to be very little stability..#INDvSA
— Hemant (@hemantbuch) November 24, 2025
If i ever see Sai Sudharsan ever in the test bracket i lose myself
Dhruv Jurel another guy u are just meant to be a backup buddy
The PR run by the fans is so criminal
Jaiswal got out and these two made mockery of tests
Smaran Yash Rathod Sanat Sanghwan are so better than Sai
💙💙— CROX_CULER (@KaranSa01391828) November 24, 2025
How many more opportunities before Sarfaraz Khan who has a better batting average and a solid game against spin is considered again instead of Sai Sudharsan? #indvsSA
— Rajesh Naik (@RajeshNaikS) November 24, 2025
Sai Sudharsan in Test cricket
0, 30, 61, 0, 38, 11, 7, 87, 39, 15
He has batted all 10 innings at number 3 and his avg is 28. Honestly time is running out for him. If he can’t score on pitches like this, it’s going to get tougher for him to keep his spot.
— Vijay Anaparthi (@VijayCricketFan) November 24, 2025
Ruturaj Gaikwad deserves the no.3 spot in the test team more than this fraud Sai Sudharsan. pic.twitter.com/aUjsycndHH
— 🤍✍ (@imAnthoni_) November 24, 2025
