India's new number 3 in Tests, Sai Sudharsan, scored the second Test fifty of his career on Friday on Day 1 of the 2nd Test between India and West Indies in Delhi.
Having won the toss, India unsurprisingly decided to bat first on a flat surface which did not have much for the bowlers, especially the fast bowlers. It was expected that the Indian batsmen would make merry at the Feroz Shah Kotla, now known as the Arun Jaitley stadium. And that is exactly what transpired.
Sai, who was playing his fifth Test, came in to bat in the 18th over after KL Rahul was dismissed for 38 and made the most of the backing he has gotten from the leadership group. He ended up scoring his highest Test score with a composed innings of 87 (165).
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Despite missing out on his maiden century, the 2001-born batter did not look disappointed as he reacted to the knock after the day's play.
Sai Sudharsan’s 87 strengthens his claim as India’s new No. 3 in Tests
Having batting for a couple of sessions, Sai's innings included 12 fours. But more importantly, he looked calm and composed in the middle, attacking the bowlers whenever the situation allowed till he got stuck inside the crease to a Jomel Warrican delivery that spun big and trapped him plumb in front.
While reviewing the innings with Ian Bishop, Deep Dasgupta and Murali Kartik at the end of the day's play, Sai spoke about the experience of having a big partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal and how the pitch played before speaking about his missed century.
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"I am definitely grateful for whatever I’ve done today, but of course, there’s always a monkey in our mind that wants more, wants that hundred and a lot of runs. I am grateful for the runs that I have got today, and looking forward to a lot more," said Sai.
Despite missing the century, Sai justified his selection with a near-perfect innings on Friday, where he was largely untroubled except for one mistimed shot.
Having earned more time in his fledgling career with his batting in Delhi, Sai is now expected to play the remaining two Tests in the home season against South Africa in December at number 3.
How did India perform vs WI on Day 1?
At stumps on Day 1, India finished with 318/2 on the board, with Jaiswal unbeaten on 173 and skipper Shubman Gill (20*) keeping him company.
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