'With left-handed batters, we know that...': Three-time IPL winning star explains why Sai Sudharsan is struggling in Test Cricket

Former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel, who has seen B Sai Sudharsan from close quarters as both of the part of Gujarat Titans (GT) in the Indian Premier League, explained why the southpaw is struggling to get into the rhythm in Tests. Parthiv is the batting coach for the Gujarat-based franchise, and Sudharsan represents the side as an opener.

Why is B Sai Sudharsan struggling in Test cricket

Parthiv Patel, who won three IPL titles with Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), reckons that the young batter seems to be battling pressure to make the no. 3 spot his own.

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“Sai Sudharsan looked a bit tentative today (Thursday)," Patel said on Star Sports. He usually uses his feet really well, especially against left-arm spinners."

“With left-handed batters, we know that as soon as a left-arm spinner comes in, we try to rotate the strike and wait for the right ball to go after. But I thought Sai Sudharsan was probably feeling a bit of pressure to score big runs and secure that number three position. He just needs to stay calm," he added.

Ajit Agarkar for B Sai Sudharsan

Notably, while announcing India's Test squad for the West Indies series, chief selector Ajit Agarkar had said that the team management wants to give Sudharsan a long rope to settle into the role, which earlier belonged to the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara and Rahul Dravid.

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“It’s a little bit about continuity. I think there were a few changes at No. 3 (in England), because of the combination that we played. So that just depends on what the captain and the coach at that point want, and what balance they want," Agarkar told reporters.

“But as far as going forward is concerned, Sai has shown a lot of promise. We know he’s a very good player. Hopefully, we can give him a longish run from now on, at a particular number. Hopefully, going forward, we can give these guys time to actually build their careers," he added.

However, before featuring in the West Indies series, Sudharsan looked in great touch, featuring for India A in the first two unofficial Tests against Australia A, where he smashed a century and two half-centuries.