Gautam Gambhir jumps to Sai Sudharsan's defence before Afghanistan Test: 'He needs to get a fair chance'

Sai Sudharsan's inclusion in the Test squad is another significant milestone in the young batter's rapid rise.

Published on: Jun 5, 2026, 13:43:44 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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India head coach Gautam Gambhir rushed to Sai Sudharsan's defence, backing the Gujarat Titans opener to perform in the upcoming one-off Test match against Afghanistan. In Tests, Sudharsan made his debut against England last year and also featured against West Indies and South Africa.

Gautam Gambhir defended Sai Sudharsan's selection. (PTI)

In six Tests, Sudharsan has registered 302 runs in 11 innings at an average of 27.45, packed with two fifties (high score of 87). He hasn't registered a ton in Tests yet and has been dismissed for two ducks.

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‘I believe he needs to get a fair chance’

Speaking in a press conference ahead of the one-off Test against Afghanistan, Gambhir said, "Sai Sudharsan has not got a fair chance. He played mostly in England and I believe he needs to get a fair chance."

"We can (only) pick 11 (players) and Sai isn't in bad form. He scored 700 runs in IPL. If we judge Sai on basis of 4-5 games we will never be able to build something," he added.

Sudharsan had a stunning IPL 2026 season with GT, managing 722 runs in 17 matches at an average of 45.13 and a 157.98 strike rate. He also managed a ton and eight half-centuries.

Sudharsan's inclusion in the Test squad is another significant milestone in the young batter's rapid rise. He has emerged as one of the most consistent performers in domestic cricket and the IPL, combining vintage strokeplay with temperament.

The left-hander's selection is also a reward for his ability to adapt across formats. While he first grabbed attention with his performances in white-ball cricket, selectors have been equally impressed by his technique and patience.

His compact technique, calm approach under pressure and willingness to bat long innings also make him a strong candidate for the Indian Test setup.

Meanwhile, Manav Suthar and Harsh Dubey are battling for the one spot in the team as a left-arm spinner. Gambhir feels that India needs to settle on multiple spin bowling options for the two-match series in Sri Lanka.

"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.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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