- August 2, 2025
We all have that one friend—the one who knows you so well that you don’t have to explicitly say anything. A look, a gesture, a half-smile; and suddenly you’re on the same page. But what happens when that comfort zone becomes a blind spot, especially in a Test match that matters? That seemed to be exactly what played out between Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan on Day 1 of the fifth Test—familiarity turning into a fatal misread. What started as a run-out that left everyone from commentators to fans confused turned out not to be just a miscommunication. Dinesh Karthik, former cricketer for India, described it as a form of chemistry that eventually descended into chaos.
When Familiarity Breeds… Misjudgment?
In most cases, batting partners who share a long-standing rapport make for a well-oiled machine. Think of Rohit and Dhawan in their prime—anticipating each other’s moves like telepathy in whites. But in the case of Gill and Sudharsan, the same comfort seemed to backfire.
In the 28th over, Gill hit the ball just beyond the pitch and sprinted for a single. Sizing up the bowler’s proximity, Sudharsan wasted no time in delivering a sharp and early “no.” The trouble? Gill was already committed. And Gus Atkinson didn’t need a second invitation to run Gill out with a direct hit that sent the Indian captain back for just 21.
Dinesh Karthik’s take was blunt but insightful: “He almost feels he can call without calling.” It was less about poor running and more about subconscious assumptions—ones built on too much familiarity. And that’s the twist. Chemistry, which often helps build partnerships, became the very reason it collapsed.
A Pattern Emerging?
It’s not an isolated occurrence either. The 2025 IPL had a similar Gill-Sudharsan situation – different city, same chaos. When the team played against Delhi Capitals, Gill again tried to take a risky single. Sudharsan sent him back, but Karun Nair shut the door with a pinpoint direct hit that left Gill no way home. In both situations, it was very clear what the pattern was – Gill calling for a tight run based on instinct, and Sudharsan being the cautious counterpart.
Gill’s desire to keep the scoreboard ticking is understandable, especially in tricky conditions. But when that urgency overrides judgment—and when it’s repeated with the same partner—it raises questions about communication, not just chemistry.
Karun Nair’s Redemption Amid the Chaos
Ironically, the player who played it just right on the day was Karun Nair. Replaced at No.5, back from being dropped in the fourth Test, Nair didn’t try to dazzle. He simply dug in. On a day that left most batsmen resembling deer in the headlights, he chipped away very calmly to score an unbeaten 52 runs off 98 balls – a gritty effort.
Karthik’s praise for Nair wasn’t about sixes or sizzle—it was about grit, guts, and doing the dirty work when it mattered most. It was about discipline, leaving balls far outside off, and keeping his head down when things got difficult. The Gill-Sudharsan story took the headlines, but it was Karun’s performance (and innings) that mattered most to keep India in the game. It reminded everyone that when you survive in the game of test cricket, that itself can still be the most stylish thing to do.
What do you think—should Gill tone down his instinctive running, or is this just part of the aggressive mindset modern captains need? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
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