Sai Sudarsan, the 24-year-old left-handed batsman of the Indian national cricket team, has made a huge statement about the fitness of star wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant.
Sai Sudarsan said Rishabh Pant is feeling a little better and is keen to return to international cricket in the Test series against the South African national cricket team.
Rishabh looks amazing – might actually be a better fit – Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant fractured his leg during the Anderson Tendulkar Trophy 2025 match against the England national cricket team and has been out of action since then.
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He also missed the recent home Test series against the West Indies national cricket team, where the wicketkeeper’s spot was given to Dhruv Jhurel, but he shone both with the bat and behind the stumps.
However, with Rishabh Pant set to return for the Test series against South Africa, Jurrell may be asked to warm the bench again. Before the main series, they will play two consecutive games over four days against South Africa A.
Sai Sudarsan, who is representing Rishabh Pant in the series against South Africa A, said that Pant is fully fit and ready to play.
“Rishabh is looking great. In fact, I would say he is getting fitter. He has had time to work on his legs and get that training to stick in his legs. Sometimes when you get injured, you are given extra time to work on what you want to do. I feel like he looks a little more fit and strong and as brave as always,” Sudarsan said.
“The message from Pant was very clear. We were huddled together on the first day of practice and he said it was a great opportunity for everyone to get back into the rhythm of the game. At the same time, we’re playing to win and that’s what’s important.”
Sai Sudarsan is tipped to be India’s permanent No. 3 for the next 10 years of Test play, and the selection committee as well as the team management have shown a lot of confidence in him.
He currently averages 30.33 in five Test matches and India will be hoping for him to improve on that figure. Sudarsan has also worked hard and honed his footwork.
“From a technical standpoint, I’m honing my footwork quite a bit. But more importantly, I understand what a number three player has to do for the team. I’m trying to understand that role better and execute it,” Sai Sudarsan said.
“There is not much difference technically. I rather feel that it is important to improve tactically. In international cricket, tactical guidance and tactical advantage are very important to get any closer to the bowler. I am working on that.” Sudarsan said it is extremely important to have a tactical advantage over your opponent as loopholes are seriously exposed at the highest level of cricket.
In international cricket, there aren’t that many loopholes to play with – Sai Sudarsan
Sai Sudarsan further said that he is learning more about tactical things to become better in the international cricket arena.
“In international cricket, almost everyone (playing against) is one of the best players in the country, so there aren’t as many holes to play for and there aren’t as many holes to fill.
“So I think the key is to change the tactics depending on the strengths and weaknesses of a particular bowler and the tactical objectives that you use against that bowler. I feel that is what I am learning now and perhaps refining it further to find the best pattern to become India’s number three,” he added.
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