Young left-hander Sai Sudharsan has made a memorable mark in his early Test career by achieving a rare milestone during India’s ongoing tour of England. In just his debut series, Sudharsan has stepped into the shoes of India’s No. 3 batter, a spot long dominated by Cheteshwar Pujara and delivered when it mattered most.
What Record Did He Achieve?
On July 23, 2025, in the Manchester Test, Sudharsan scored a confident 61 runs at No. 3, making him the first Indian No. 3 batter to score a Test half-century outside India in 1,296 days.
The last time this feat was achieved was in December 2022, when Cheteshwar Pujara scored a fifty in Bangladesh. Since then, Indian batters at the No. 3 slot have failed to reach the fifty mark overseas in tours across South Africa, West Indies, and earlier parts of the England series. His knock ended a nearly three-year drought and brought much-needed reliability to the top order.
His Current Performance in the Series
- Matches Played: 2
- Total Runs Scored: 91
Key Innings:
- 30 in the first innings of the 1st Test
- 61 in the first innings at Manchester
- Batting Style: Left-handed, solid against swing and seam
- Strengths: Patience, composure, and technique under pressure
He has adapted well to English conditions, showing maturity beyond his years. His shot selection and temperament have stood out in tough batting conditions.
Conclusion
Sai Sudharsan’s breakthrough fifty at No. 3 is more than just a personal milestone; it signals India’s potential solution to a long-standing middle-order challenge in overseas Tests. As India looks to rebuild a stable core in Test cricket, Sudharsan’s early signs are encouraging. If he continues this form, he could be the long-term answer to India’s No. 3 conundrum, following in the footsteps of greats like Rahul Dravid and Cheteshwar Pujara. By breaking a 1,296-day record, Sudharsan hasn’t just scored a fifty he’s opened a new chapter for Indian Test batting overseas.
Written by RITESH SINGH
