As the first Test match between Team India and South Africa is underway at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, the left-handed batsman Sai Sudharsan was dropped from the hosts` playing XI.
Following his snub, former cricketer Dodda Ganesh criticised the team management by saying they are playing musical chairs without a vision.
Team India`s think tank has selected Washington Sundar as their number three batsman for the Eden clash. Earlier, after moving on from Cheteshwar Pujara, the management tried plenty of options, including players such as KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Devdutt Padikkal and Karun Nair. But none of the batsmen tasted much success at the position.
The former cricketer shared a post on his official social media handle, which read, “The no 3 in the batting lineup is the most imp slot in a test XI & Ind is playing musical chairs without a vision. Can`t believe this is happening at the test level. Should`ve given Sai Sudharsan these tests. U don`t need 4 spinners no matter how much turn the pitch offers #INDvSA”.
The no 3 in the batting lineup is the most imp slot in a test XI & Ind is playing musical chairs without a vision. Can’t believe this is happening at the test level.
Should’ve given Sai Sudharsan these tests.U don’t need 4 spinners no matter how much turn the pitch offers #INDvSA— Dodda Ganesh | ದೊಡ್ಡ ಗಣೇಶ್ (@doddaganesha) November 14, 2025
So far, having played five Test matches, Sudharsan has scored 273 runs with an average of 30.33. He also has two half-centuries, with a top score of 87.
Previously, before his axing from playing XI, Sudharsan had managed scores of 32, 12, 17 and 23 in the two unofficial Tests for India A against South Africa A.
Additionally, the series also marked the return of Rishabh Pant to international cricket. Earlier, the left-hander missed out on the matches as he was recovering from his injury. India has opted to enter the clash with two wicket-keepers, with the second one being Dhruv Jurel.
IND vs SA 1st Test: Confirmed Playing XI
India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill (C), Dhruv Jurel, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.
South Africa: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma (C), Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj.
(With ANI Inputs)
