Former India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel shared his thoughts on the format that best suits IPL 2025 standout performer Sai Sudharsan. The 23-year-old had an exceptional season, finishing as the highest run-scorer with 759 runs in 15 innings at an average of 54.21 and a strike rate of 156.17, which included one century and six half-centuries.
Despite his brilliance in T20 cricket, Parthiv believes that Test cricket is the ideal format for Sudharsan. He pointed out that the young left-hander possesses a solid technique that makes him well-suited for the challenges of the longest format.
“Test is the best format for him. Obviously, in T20 the way he has performed, people thought everyone are power-hitters but this a player with correct technique. But he has the ability to score boundaries and use pace. But his technique is good. That is why he was taken to England for the Test series,” he said on his YouTube channel. (12:33)
He pointed out that even though Sai Sudharsan has an average below 40 in domestic cricket, he was selected for the recently concluded Test series in England due to his strong technique and promising potential.
“If you look at performance in domestic cricket, his average is below 40, but he has the technique and potential. That is why the selectors are looking at him as an option to play Test cricket,” he added.
Parthiv Patel Weighs In On India Choosing Sai Sudharsan For No. 3 Spot In Tests
Ever since Cheteshwar Pujara was dropped from the Indian Test team, the search for a dependable number three batter has been ongoing. Sai Sudharsan was given his debut during the England series, playing the first Test at Leeds. However, he had a rough start, scoring 0 and 30, and was subsequently left out of the next two matches.
His He was later recalled after Karun Nair failed to secure the number three spot. On his comeback in the fourth Test at Manchester, Sudharsan impressed with a composed 61 in the first innings, showcasing his potential. Following this, Parthiv Patel noted that India seemed determined to back a young player for the crucial number three position in Tests.
“From the start of the series, obviously, India went on with Sai Sudharsan. But then the combination changed, and they tried to get an experienced player in Karun Nair, but unfortunately, after a very, very good couple of seasons in domestic cricket, he could not convert those starts into big, significant scores. So, now it looks like India wants to back a youngster, which is completely okay,” he was quoted as saying by IANS.
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