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 1, 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 in 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 following an 82-run opening partnership, and the Tamil Nadu batter’s effort ensured Sri Lanka A were kept on the back foot for large parts of the day.
Sudharsan’s innings stood out for the ease with which he handled the conditions, as he patiently built his knock before accelerating once settled at the crease. The left-hander’s performance also underlined his growing maturity in red-ball cricket, as he combined solid defence with attacking stroke-play to put the pressure back on the hosts.
TIMELY RESPONSE TO CRITICS?
The century comes at an important stage in Sudharsan’s career. Since making his Test debut in England in 2025, the Tamil Nadu batter has played seven Tests, scoring 383 runs in 12 innings at an average of 31.92. While those numbers have attracted criticism, the 23-year-old has continued to enjoy the backing of the team 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 over his performances at the international level, the Indian team management has consistently backed Sudharsan, emphasising his age and long-term potential rather than judging him on a game-by-game basis.
The batter himself has acknowledged that support.
“It gives so much freedom. It gives so much certainty mentally that when the coach, the team and the captain support you, back you, and want you to do well for the country, it is such an honour in the first place,” Sudharsan said after his 81-run knock against Afghanistan as quoted by Yahoo Sports.
With another substantial score in red-ball cricket, Sudharsan has once again underlined why India continue to invest faith in him as a long-term option in the Test middle order.
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