table of contents
Ahead of the India vs Afghanistan one-off Test, head coach Gautam Gambhir shut down the Sai Sudarshan vs Devdutt Padikkal debate. Gambhir has clearly mentioned that his aim is to build a solid, stable team in the Test format.
Many repeated changes will not help in the path of development. Therefore, instead of experimenting too much, Gautam Gambhir prefers to stick with the same players on whom he had shown confidence on previous occasions. The Board of Control for Cricket in India has created a new look team for the test against Afghanistan.
Sai Sudarshan vs Devdutt Padikkal debate before IND vs AFG test
Changes have been made mostly in the bowling department. However, there is doubt over the selection of some batsmen in the playing eleven. Ever since Cheteshwar Pujara retired from the format, the team management has been actively looking for someone who can fill his void.
There are many contenders for the number three post, including Devdutt Padikkal and Sai Sudarshan. Sudarshan has more experience in playing Test roles than Padikkal.
As per Gautam Gambhir’s comment, Team India may continue to field Sai Sudarshan for a special place in the batting order. “We will give Sai Sudarshan a fair chance. If we evaluate a player after 4 to 5 matches, we will not be able to make a team. So we will give Sai Sudarshan a longer chance,” Team India head coach said ahead of the India vs Afghanistan one-off Test.
Sudarshan played two consecutive tests as the number 3 batsman.
During the last edition of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, Sai Sudarshan made his Test debut for Team India. In English conditions, the performances of the top order batsmen were inconsistent during the 5-match Test series.
In that tour, he participated in three matches and 6 matches, and scored only one half-century. Due to lack of consistency and fight against the England bowlers, the Indian team management had to make some changes in their playing eleven. Later, when India faced West Indies and South Africa for the home Tests, Sai Sudarshan retained his position, which is the number three position.
So far, in 6 Test matches, the budding batsman has scored 302 runs at an average of 27.45, including a few half-centuries. His best innings of 87 came against West Indies in Delhi on October 10, 2025.
Sai Sudarshan’s form in IPL 2026 season
Sai Sudarshan is one of the batsmen who performed brilliantly for Gujarat Titans during the IPL 2026 season. With a batting average of over 45, the 24-year-old scored 722 runs in 17 matches and as many innings. During the IPL 2026 campaign, he recorded eight half-centuries and one century. His relationship with captain Shubman Gill is considered one of the best as they formed the opening pair for the franchise.
Since he has prior experience as a number three batsman in this format and has been in good form, his selection in the playing eleven would make sense.
Read more: Sai Sudarshan or Devdutt Padikkal? Ryan ten Doeschate officially reveals India’s No. 3 spot for Afghanistan Tests
