Behind every Test Series is an untold sub-plot that does not appear in the match report, a different battle that is fought, not in the center of the field, but behind the scenes of the practice net. While India was falling back to South Africa at the Eden Gardens Test, another story began unfolding away from the main action. On the third day of the Test, when the Indian team was losing its footing against the South African bowlers, yet again, there was no end to the amount of time Sai Sudharsan, who was still waiting for his Test debut, would spend batting through session breaks. At the same time, his Tamil Nadu teammate, Washington Sundar, had taken over the #3 spot and provided a very calm and technically solid audition on a wicked pitch.

 

Sudharsan’s Relentless Prep Shows a Batter on Standby

 

Sudharsan’s routine is becoming something of a running joke among India’s support staff. The man simply won’t stop batting. During the Eden Gardens Test, he shadowed every interval with throwdowns. In the optional session, he started with Akash Deep in the fast-bowling nets, drilling his front-foot play, then shifted gears into spin work, and eventually marched back for more sweeps after already taking his pad off.

 

Gautam Gambhir paused his walk to stand behind the batsman, watching closely as Sudharsan charged, swept, and stretched forward against every spin angle he could find. Even a mid-session chat from Gambhir didn’t slow him down; he went right back to correcting his stride and attacking the turn. India may not have a settled No.3 yet, but they certainly have one contender who refuses to wait quietly.

 

Washington Sundar Plays the Long-Game Audition

 

Washington’s innings in Kolkata didn’t light up social media, but it impressed those who matter. His Test approach has matured, leaving balls late, defending decisively, and punishing mistakes with balance rather than power. In practice, he doubled down on that theme: balls left alone, tight alignment, patience against two types of net spinners.

 

It was an audition built on trustworthiness. When the surface grips and the ball nibbles, teams crave someone who can survive. Washington made that case in the first Test and is clearly rehearsing for an encore. In a place like Guwahati, where no Test template exists, reliability may count as much as flair.

 

Gill’s Uncertainty Shapes a Selection Domino

 

India’s captain, Shubman Gill, being discharged with a cervical collar creates the selection tension neither contender will openly acknowledge, but both clearly feel. With only four days between Tests, his availability is a race against the clock.

 

If Gill misses out, the No.3 slot becomes a two-horse fight: Washington’s calm versus Sudharsan’s volume. But if Gill returns, suddenly only one of them fits into the XI, and the other slides into standby mode. The nets in Kolkata felt like a silent contest where no one was told they were competing, but both understood exactly what was at stake.

 

Jurel and the Rise of Purpose-Driven Practice

 

If Sudharsan is volume and Washington is structure, Dhruv Jurel represents purpose. His practice was laser-focused: shortened-distance throwdowns followed by a session of reverse sweeps against spin, exactly the shot that can flip a Test innings when fields are packed. Jurel looks increasingly like India’s next long-term wicketkeeper-bat, not just because he scores, but because his training mirrors modern Test batting, creating scoring options, not waiting for them.

 

Whoever gets the nod in Guwahati won’t just be filling a vacancy. They’ll be taking the first step into India’s next-generation core, a group being shaped not by hype, but by hard, sweaty hours in the nets. And that may be the best sign yet that India’s Test batting has a future worth betting on.

 

Key Takeaway

 

India’s No.3 debate is happening long before match day, and the nets are choosing favorites.

 

FAQs

 

1: What makes Washington Sundar a strong No.3 candidate?

His technique, patience, and solid showing on the tricky Kolkata pitch give him a credible Test-match temperament.

 

2: Why is Sai Sudharsan still in contention despite not playing?

His relentless practice intensity and readiness make him the next-in-line option if Shubman Gill isn’t fit.

 

3: How will Guwahati affect selection?

With no Test history at the venue, India will rely heavily on training form and player readiness.

 

Disclaimer: This blog post reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the perspectives shared and draw their own conclusions.

 

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