Sai Sudharsan has amassed 147 runs in seven Test innings for India so far. Despite still seeking consistency at the highest level, the young batsman has received a vote of confidence from Indian captain Shubman Gill. Sudharsan’s early dismissal in the first Test against the West Indies in Ahmedabad—one of the few batting setbacks in an otherwise dominant Indian display—renewed scrutiny on his form.
Ahead of the second Test in Delhi, Shubman Gill urged patience and perspective. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, he stressed that it would be unfair to judge Sudharsan based on just a handful of innings, highlighting the importance of giving the youngster time to settle into Test cricket.
“You have to look at a player’s potential”: Shubman Gill on Sai Sudharsan
“I don’t really think he’s going through a lean patch. He got just one innings in the first match (Ahmedabad Test). At the Oval, he played an important knock of 40 on a swinging wicket, and in the match before that, he scored a fifty in Manchester. Not every player scores in every game. Young players need more opportunities as they are still finding their footing,” Gill said.
“We believe a player’s potential should be judged in its entirety, not based on just one or two matches. After six, seven, or eight games, you can assess where they need improvement—whether that’s more domestic cricket or India A matches. For now, we feel he’s the right man for us and someone who can occupy India’s No. 3 position for a long time,” he added.
Shubman Gill shares a strong rapport with Sudharsan, as both open for Gujarat Titans in the IPL. The left-hander was a standout in IPL 2025, winning the Orange Cap with 759 runs from 15 matches.
Sudharsan made his Test debut during India’s England tour and has scored 147 runs in seven innings, including one half-century.
