Parthiv Patel urges ‘tentative’ Sai Sudharsan to stay calm against the West Indies

Former Indian wicket-keeper Parthiv Patel has urged Sai Sudharsan to remain calm in the Test series against the West Indies. Sudharsan was dismissed after scoring only seven runs in the first innings of the opening Test match against the Windies at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Thursday. 

The left-hander could not pick up the length against Roston Chase and was plumbed in front of the wickets. Sudharsan had failed to grab his opportunity with both hands on the England tour as he could only manage 140 runs in three Test matches at an average of 23.33.

Patel has observed Sai Sudharsan from close quarters while performing the assistant coach role with the Gujarat Titans and wants the batter to stay patient.

“Sai Sudharsan looked a bit tentative today (Thursday),” Patel said on Star Sports. He usually uses his feet really well, especially against left-arm spinners.”

“With left-handed batters, we know that as soon as a left-arm spinner comes in, we try to rotate the strike and wait for the right ball to go after. But I thought Sai Sudharsan was probably feeling a bit of pressure to score big runs and secure that number three position. He just needs to stay calm,” he added.

On the other hand, chief selector Ajit Agarkar had earlier said they want to give a longer rope to Sudharsan at one drop in Test cricket.

“It’s a little bit about continuity. I think there were a few changes at No. 3 (in England), because of the combination that we played. So that just depends on what the captain and the coach at that point want, and what balance they want,” Agarkar told reporters.

“But as far as going forward is concerned, Sai has shown a lot of promise. We know he’s a very good player. Hopefully, we can give him a longish run from now on, at a particular number. Hopefully, going forward, we can give these guys time to actually build their careers,” he added.

After the lunch break, India were 271-4, leading by 109 runs.