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Shubman Gill backs Sai Sudharsan after his Test struggles

Sai Sudharsan has scored only 147 runs in seven innings so far, with just one half-century to his name.

India batter Sai Sudharsan received a subtle warning after a shaky start to his Test career, being reminded of how quickly Karun Nair lost his place after just one tour. However, assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate, speaking to the media on Wednesday ahead of the second and final Test against the West Indies, confirmed that Sudharsan continues to enjoy the backing of captain Shubman Gill.

Sai Sudharsan is yet to make a strong impression in India’s Test top order, managing only 147 runs in seven innings with a single half-century. After the England tour, where he made his debut, the selectors took some tough decisions, but Sudharsan kept his place. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar said the team management has high hopes for the Tamil Nadu batter and will give him enough opportunities to prove himself.

Assistant Coach Ten Doeschate Offers Words of Encouragement

However, Sudharsan couldn’t justify his selection, managing only seven runs in the first Test against the West Indies last week.

“I’m sure he knows he has our full support, from the captain and the coaching staff,” Ten Doeschate said, expressing confidence that Sudharsan will soon live up to his potential.

However, Ten Doeschate also cautioned Sudharsan, mentioning that Dhruv Jurel could be promoted up the order once Rishabh Pant returns for the home Test series against South Africa later this year. His remarks came after Jurel’s impressive knock of 125 in the Ahmedabad Test and a strong India A performance, where he scored 197 runs in three innings against Australia A, including a century and a fifty.

“I believe it does,” Ten Doeschate said when asked about Jurel’s chances. “We saw last week what a quality player he is, we’ve always known that. Sometimes, it’s just about fitting him into the middle order,” he added ahead of the second Test against the West Indies in Delhi starting Friday.

“And apart from that, there are several other quality players competing for the top-order positions. For now, Shubman has secured the No. 4 spot,” Ten Doeschate added.

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Competition Heats Up: Dhruv Jurel Eyes Top-Order Spot

“So Sai is aware of the competition. You can’t pursue a cricket career in India without expecting this level of challenge, it’s tough, and we know that,” Ten Doeschate said. “He needs to go out there and score the runs we believe he is capable of at this stage.”

However, the India coach acknowledged that Sudharsan is aware of his position, having seen what happened to Karun Nair after his poor performance on the England tour.

“I believe he knows the reality, you have to fight for your place in this environment. Just look at Karun Nair, who got only four Tests in England,” Ten Doeschate said.

“There are many talented players competing for every spot. Sai just needs to focus on believing in himself. We have full confidence in him to hold the No. 3 position,” Ten Doeschate said.