IND vs SA 1st Test: India's two-match Test series against South Africa got underway on Friday, November 14, at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The visitors, led by Temba Bavuma, won the toss and chose to bat first on a surface expected to favour early pace and later assist spin.
While both teams made notable changes for the series opener, the biggest talking point from India's camp was the absence of Sai Sudharsan from the playing XI.
The moment India's lineup was announced, social media erupted with questions about Sai's omission. There was no injury setback involved-his exclusion was a tactical move shaped by balance, form, and strategic flexibility.
Sai's absence allowed India to field a highly spin-heavy attack, a move not seen since 2012.
Promoting Washington Sundar to No. 3 opened the door for Axar Patel's return, alongside Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav. The combination gives India four frontline spinners-something that would not have been feasible had Sai retained his spot. With the Eden pitch expected to assist turn from Day 3 onward, India have loaded up on options to challenge South Africa through long spells.
Another major factor behind the reshuffle was India's desire to fit both wicketkeeper-batters-Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel-into the XI. Pant's comeback was non-negotiable, while Jurel forced himself into contention with exceptional performances, including back-to-back unbeaten centuries in the India A vs South Africa A series.
Comparatively, Sai Sudharsan's recent red-ball returns were underwhelming: 84 runs in four innings against South Africa A and 133 runs across three innings versus West Indies. Jurel's form and versatility made it easier for the management to accommodate him over Sai.
While some fans viewed Sundar batting at No. 3 as a gamble, the numbers tell a different story. Sundar averages 44.25 in first-class cricket-significantly higher than Sai's 30.33 after nine innings. His proven temperament, highlighted by his memorable Gabba knock in 2021, further strengthens India's confidence in elevating him up the order.
Additionally, Sundar's dual value as a dependable batter and effective off-spinner fits into Gautam Gambhir's preference for multi-dimensional cricketers. With three all-rounders and four spinners, India have crafted a flexible and well-rounded XI suited for early experimentation in the new WTC cycle.
In essence, Sai Sudharsan's exclusion is not a demotion but a tactical reshuffle that helps India strengthen both their batting depth and bowling variety for the conditions and team balance needed at Eden Gardens.
At the time of writing this article, South Africa were batting at 100/3.
