Keep his case for the No. 3 spot alive? Sai Sudharsan smashed 100 against SL A

Sai Sudharsan continued to strengthen his case for India’s No.3 spot in Test cricket with a commanding century for India A against Sri Lanka A in the ongoing unofficial Test at the Galle International Stadium on Thursday.

The left-hander was the standout performer on day one, scoring 132 off 175 balls after India A opted to bat first. His innings, studded with 19 boundaries, helped India A cross the 200-run mark in just 50 overs on a batting-friendly surface. India ended the day on 333/4.

Unlike the senior side, Sudharsan opened the innings against Sri Lanka A alongside Ayush Pandey and anchored the batting effort as wickets fell around him. His century set the tone for India A’s innings after the visitors lost Aayush Pandey after 82 opening partnerships and Tamil Nadu’s efforts ensured Sri Lanka A remained on the back foot for much of the day.

Sudharsan’s innings stood out for the ease with which he handled the conditions as he patiently built his stroke before accelerating once he settled into the crease. The left-hander’s performance also underlined his growing maturity in red-ball cricket as he combined solid defense with an attacking stroke play to put the pressure back on the home side.

AN EARLY ANSWER TO CRITICS?

Sudharsan scores a century against Sri Lanka A (Photo: SL media/ screegrab by X -@Prasanrod)

The century comes at an important stage in Sudharsan’s career. Since his Test debut in England in 2025, the Tamil Nadu batsman has played seven Testsscored 383 runs in 12 innings at an average of 31.92. While those numbers have drawn criticism, the 23-year-old continues to enjoy the support of the team’s management.

His innings in Galle was his ninth first-class century and another reminder of his red-ball credentials. Sudharsan’s highest first-class score remains 213 against Delhi in the Ranji Trophy.

The hundred also follows a promising outing against Afghanistan where he scored 81 runs. His highest Test score remains 87 against West Indies at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi in October last year.

Despite scrutiny of his performances at international level, the Indian team management consistently supported Sudharsan and emphasized his age and long-term potential rather than judging him on a game-by-game basis.

The batsman himself acknowledged this support.

“It gives so much freedom. It gives so much mental certainty that when the coach, the team and the captain support you, support you and want you to do well for the country, it’s such an honor in the first place,” Sudharsan said after his 81 against Afghanistan, as quoted by Yahoo Sports.

With another major score in red-ball cricket, Sudharsan reiterated why India continue to invest faith in him as a long-term option in the Test middle order.

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Published on:

25 Jun 2026 18:21 IST