05 June,2026 03:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Gautam Gambhir and Sai Sudarshan (Pic: PTI and AFP)
Indian coach Gautam Gambhir has backed Sai Sudarshan for a lengthy spell at India's number three position in Test cricket. The former Indian opener expressed that the young batter has not received a receive an extended, proper opportunity to showcase his talent in the Test team.
India is set to face Afghanistan in a one-off Test match beginning this Saturday. Since this fixture falls completely outside the parameters of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle, it offers the coaching staff an opportunity to test younger players.
"Sai Sudharsan has not got a fair chance. He played mostly in England and I believe he needs to get a fair chance," Gambhir told the reporters here.
"We can (only) pick 11 (players) and Sai isn't in bad form. He scored 700 runs in IPL. If we judge Sai on the basis of 4-5 games we will never be able to build something," he added.
In the bowling unit, slow left-arm orthodox spinners Manav Suthar and Harsh Dubey are currently in a direct battle to secure a single vacant spot in the playing eleven. Gambhir admitted that finding the right bowling combination will be crucial before the Sri Lankan tour.
"Manav and Harsh are to a certain extent similar but different also in terms of release points. This match gives us a chance to determine our fourth spinner as we will take four spinners in Sri Lanka," he said.
"We will need to prepare differently when we go to New Zealand. So, we will pull out a few ODI regulars who play Tests. We understand we need to prepare better for Tests," Gambhir added.
When asked about Rishabh Pant being stripped of his vice-captaincy role, Gambhir defended the player. The former Indian star said the team and the coaching staff back the player but also emphasised the need for better situational awareness during matches.
"We don't want Rishabh Pant to change, but international cricket demands players to respect match situations," Gambhir concluded.
India will play Afghanistan in a one-off Test match in New Chandigarh.
(With PTI inputs)
