Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar commented on Sai Sudharsan’s performance after his return for the fourth Test in Manchester. The youthful hitter impressed with a polished half-century, making 61 runs off 151 balls before being bowled out by England skipper Ben Stokes on Day 1 at Old Trafford.
Manjrekar said that Sudharsan appeared apprehensive early in his innings but gradually settled in, methodically organising his game and demonstrating patience to amass a large score at Old Trafford, which was critical given the wickets falling from the other end. Sudharsan had played in the first Test at Headingley, Leeds, but was dropped for the second, with Karun Nair taking his place.
“He appeared nervous at first, as one might expect after being dropped following the first test. That kind of omission erodes your confidence. However, as the innings went, his composure restored. He has a structured game, and while he has earned his name in T20s, the way he scores mirrors the basics required in Tests,” Manjrekar told JioHotstar.
Manjrekar believes Sudharsan has the potential for a long Test career.
The cricketer-turned-commentator admitted that batting at No. 3 in the present conditions was a difficult task. He stated that Sudharsan is unlikely to be carried away by a single strong performance and will instead concentrate on preparing for a long and consistent Test career.
“The conditions were difficult to bat at No. 3 after being asked to bat first. He scored some hard-earned runs, and more significantly, he appears to be someone who will not be carried away by one good outing — a grounded, academic type who trains meticulously. “That’s the type of player who builds a long Test career,” the former cricketer added.
Speaking of the contest, India finished Day 1 of the fourth Test in Manchester on 264 for 4. Yashasvi Jaiswal continued his good form with a strong 58, while Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur were unbeaten at the crease. Stokes led England’s bowling effort on the opening day, taking two wickets.
India, however, suffered a major setback as wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was ruled out of the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy after fracturing his right foot off a delivery from Chris Woakes.
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