An out-of-form Sai Sudharsan may not be provided a long rope by the selectors to make the no.3 spot in the Test lineup as his own. Sudharsan who averages 27.45 from six Tests is set to face challenge for the no.3 role from Devdutt Padikkal. Ahead of the one-off Test against Afghanistan in June, the team management is mulling over changes and backups as India look to revive their chances of reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 final.
As per a report by TOI, Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel and Ruturaj Gaikwad have been identified as middle order prospects. Padikkal was part of India’s Test squad in last two home series – West Indies and South Africa. However, he didn’t get a chance as Nitish Kumar Reddy was preferred over him.
While Sudharsan may not face the axe from Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee straightaway, the one-off Afghanistan Test might be a make-or-break game for him. In six Tests, he has scored 302 runs including two half-centuries.
On the other hand, Padikkal has played just two Tests. He made his debut against England in 2024 and scored a half-century. Then, he batted at no.3 in Perth Test, the opening Test of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 where he followed up a 23-ball duck with a 71-ball 25.
Meanwhile, Jurel is likely to retain his place in the Test squad but as a pure batter. The wicketkeeper-batter's average has dropped as well. From nine Tests, he has scored 459 runs at an average of 35.30, including a century and one fifty.
Gaikwad to solve spin issues?
Also, the selectors are looking at Maharashtra skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad for a middle-order role. India’s Test team has faced spin problems of late. Gaikwad plays spin well and may get recalled into the Test squad for the first time since 2023. The 29-year-old is yet to make his Test debut. Last year in December, he made his ODI comeback and scored a century against South Africa.
9 Tests remaining for India in WTC 2025-27 final
After the one-off Afghanistan Test, India will tour Sri Lanka for a two-Test series in August. India’s next Test series will be on New Zealand soil. It will be followed by a five-Test series against Australia at home. India will need majority of wins from nine remaining Tests to make it to the WTC 2025-27 final.