You know, sometimes a single moment in a cricket match tells a story much bigger than just one wicket. That's exactly what happened on Day 3 of the second Test between India and South Africa in Guwahati. When Sai Sudharsan walked back to the pavilion, it wasn't just another dismissal; it was a painful reminder of a problem that has been haunting Indian cricket for years: the gaping hole at the number 3 position.
Key Highlights
- ✓ Sai Sudharsan was dismissed for just 15 runs on Day 3 of the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati.
- ✓ Since January 2020, India's batters at the pivotal number 3 position have a dismal average of just 30.
- ✓ India has tried a staggering 12 different players at this spot, a sign of deep-rooted instability.
- ✓ Fans on social media have heavily criticized Sudharsan and head coach Gautam Gambhir for the repeated failures.
- ✓ The dismissal came after a spectacular, juggled catch by South Africa's Ryan Rickelton.
A Catch That Broke Indian Hopes
Let's set the scene. It's Monday, November 24, 2025, and India is in a spot of bother at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium. South Africa had piled on a mammoth 489 in their first innings, thanks to a brilliant 109 from Senuran Muthusamy and a blistering 93 from Marco Jansen. India started Day 3 at 9/0, but the Proteas spinners quickly got to work. Keshav Maharaj sent KL Rahul packing for 22, and soon after, Yashasvi Jaiswal fell for 58.
All eyes were on Sai Sudharsan. He was back in the XI after being dropped for the first Test in Kolkata, and the pressure was on. He was expected to steady the ship, but it just wasn't his day. Facing off-spinner Simon Harmer, Sudharsan saw a short ball and went for a pull shot. He was too early on it, and the ball flew towards short mid-wicket where Ryan Rickelton was waiting.
What happened next was pure drama. Rickelton dived to his left, but the ball popped out of his hands. For a split second, it looked like a dropped chance. But with incredible reflexes, he juggled it, recovered, and clutched the ball to his chest to complete a stunning catch. After a quick check with the TV umpire confirmed the ball never touched the ground, Sudharsan's walk back for just 15 off 40 balls was confirmed, leaving India in deep trouble.
The Revolving Door at Number 3
Sudharsan’s failure is just the latest chapter in a long and frustrating story. The number 3 spot is the backbone of any Test batting lineup, and for India, that backbone has been fragile for a long time. Ever since the decline of the great Cheteshwar Pujara, who was the last player to truly own that position, it's been a revolving door of candidates who just haven't been able to make it their own.
The statistics are pretty damning. India has tried 12 different players at number 3 since the start of 2020, equalling South Africa for the most experimentation in that crucial slot. The only other player to get a decent run there, besides Sudharsan, was the current Test captain, Shubman Gill. He actually has the best average for an Indian at that position during this phase, a respectable 37. But he's now settled in at number 4, which means the search continues.
With six Tests under his belt at number 3, Sudharsan has been given more opportunities than most recently, but he hasn't been able to cement his place. This latest failure will only amplify the questions surrounding his spot, especially with India's next Test not scheduled until mid-2026. That gives the team management a lot of time to think, and possibly, to look elsewhere.
The Verdict from the Experts and the Fans
It's not just the numbers; the criticism is coming from all corners. Former India cricketer Murali Kartik pointed out that Sudharsan simply "needs to make runs against better sides." He also noted that the entire batting setup felt unsettled with Shubman Gill unavailable due to injury. This constant chopping and changing clearly isn't helping anyone find their rhythm.
And then there are the fans. After this dismissal, social media lit up with frustration. Many called Sudharsan an "ordinary player" and a "fraud," demanding his ouster from the team. Some fans even suggested he's only getting these chances because he's friends with Gill, pointing to a "GT Captain Quota." The sentiment is that proven domestic performers like Sarfaraz Khan or in-form players like Ruturaj Gaikwad are being unfairly overlooked.
The criticism has also been aimed squarely at head coach Gautam Gambhir, who many believe has been backing the Tamil Nadu left-hander despite his inconsistent performances. When you look at Sudharsan's Test scores—0, 30, 61, 0, 38, 11, 7, 87, 39, and now 15—you can see why fans are frustrated. Ten innings at number 3 have yielded an average of just 28. It's a run that includes a poor tour of England and just one fifty against the West Indies at home. It’s simply not good enough for such a vital position in the Indian Test team.
Conclusion
So, where does this leave Team India? Sai Sudharsan's dismissal in the Guwahati Test was more than just a single event; it was a symptom of a chronic illness in the Indian batting lineup. The number 3 position, once a bastion of stability, has become a source of constant anxiety and debate. The failure isn't just on one player, but a reflection of a system that has struggled to find a long-term successor to Cheteshwar Pujara.
With a long break before the next Test match, the selectors and team management, including coach Gautam Gambhir, have some hard decisions to make. The pressure from fans to consider other options is immense, and the statistics back up their concerns. The bottom line is that a team with aspirations of dominating Test cricket can't afford such a glaring weakness, and the search for India's next reliable number 3 is more urgent than ever.
