{"id":177239,"date":"2026-06-05T16:36:09","date_gmt":"2026-06-05T22:06:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/?p=177239"},"modified":"2026-06-05T16:36:09","modified_gmt":"2026-06-05T22:06:09","slug":"ind-vs-afg-sai-sudharsan-to-bat-at-no-3-india-head-coach-gambhir-confirms-ahead-of-afghanistan-test","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/?p=177239","title":{"rendered":"IND vs AFG: Sai Sudharsan to bat at No. 3, India head coach Gambhir confirms ahead of Afghanistan Test"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"content-body-71064531\">India head coach Gautam Gambhir on Friday cleared the air and stated in as many words that B. Sai Sudharsan will bat at No. 3 when the team takes on Afghanistan in New Chandigarh, starting Saturday.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHonestly, Sai hasn\u2019t got a fair chance. He\u2019s only played a handful of Test matches, and he started his career in England, which we all know is not the easiest place. He\u2019s had a phenomenal run in IPL (Indian Premier League) as well and we\u2019ve got to give him a fair chance,\u201d Gambhir said on the eve of the one-off Test.<\/p>\n<p>The southpaw averages less than 30 after six Tests, and India has made constant changes at No. 3. Sudharsan struck 87 runs against West Indies in New Delhi and was dropped for the first Test against South Africa in Kolkata a month later before returning one Test later.<\/p>\n<p>As a new season begins, Devdutt Padikkal has emerged as a strong candidate, backed by his 532-run haul in the Ranji Trophy last season. But Gambhir said that, as unfortunate as it may be, Padikkal will have to wait for his chance.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou can only pick 11, unfortunately. And sometimes you just have to wait for your opportunity. I\u2019ve always believed that the guys who we are going to play, we will give them a fair run. And again, Sudharsan is not in bad form either. He\u2019s got 700 runs in the IPL. And if judging players by only four or five Test matches is good enough, then I feel that we will never be able to build something. So, hopefully he will get his time. Whenever his time comes, we will give him a fair run as well,\u201d Gambhir said.<\/p>\n<p>Besides Sudharsan, even Rishabh Pant, freshly discharged from his vice-captaincy charge, got a vote of confidence from the head coach.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe responsibility is only playing for India. Everything else is a by-product. Captaincy, vice-captaincy, all these are by-products. When you start playing for India, you don\u2019t think about vice-captaincy or captaincy at all. You think about doing good for India. So, going from one to the other is just a by-product. And ultimately, everyone is judged on performance. Be it me, be it any support staff, be it any player.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAs far as Rishabh is concerned, we will expect him to be the way he is. It\u2019s not like we will tell him that you have to curb your game. But in international cricket, it\u2019s very important to know what kind of situation the team is in and what it demands and what kind of shot to play. But it\u2019s not like any player is told to play a completely different game from his natural game,\u201d Gambhir said.<\/p>\n<p>Either Manav Suthar or Harsh Dubey will be handed their debut Test cap, and Gambhir revealed the motive behind their selection, and that their inclusion does not amount to the door closing on Ravindra Jadeja in the future.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe chairman of selectors has already made it very clear that Jadeja is an integral part of this team. It was just that we had the opportunity to try another spinner. If you have to pick four spinners for Sri Lanka, this is the perfect opportunity to try a fourth spinner because we\u2019ve got Washy[Washington Sundar], Kuldeep [Yadav] and Jadeja, who are our top three spinners. So, if you have that opportunity, we will try that,\u201d Gambhir said.<\/p>\n<p>An integral part of the buildup to the Afghanistan Test has been acclimatising the players to the weather and getting them back in red-ball routine. Eight players in this team played the IPL final less than a week ago.<\/p>\n<p>This challenge of a rapid turnaround will be thrown at India again later in the year. During the tour to New Zealand, the Test series starts just three days after the ODIs end.<\/p>\n<p>Similarly, India will get just two weeks after the white-ball leg in England to prepare for the Test series in Sri Lanka.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019ve got 15 days between England and Sri Lanka. So, that\u2019s enough time to prepare. We might have to prepare a little differently for New Zealand. We will have to pull out ODI players who are part of the Test squad because one thing we\u2019ve realised is that we need to start preparing better in red-ball cricket. That was something which was lacking against the West Indies and also against South Africa,\u201d Gambhir said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"publish-time\" id=\"end-of-article\">Published on Jun 05, 2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/sportstar.thehindu.com\/cricket\/ind-vs-afg-test-sai-sudharsan-number-3-batting-stats-coach-gautam-gambhir-press-conference\/article71064531.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>India head coach Gautam Gambhir on Friday cleared the air and stated in as many words that B. Sai Sudharsan will bat at No. 3 when the team takes on Afghanistan in New Chandigarh, starting Saturday. \u201cHonestly, Sai hasn\u2019t got a fair chance. He\u2019s only played a handful of Test matches, and he started his &#8230; <a title=\"IND vs AFG: Sai Sudharsan to bat at No. 3, India head coach Gambhir confirms ahead of Afghanistan Test\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/?p=177239\" aria-label=\"Read more about IND vs AFG: Sai Sudharsan to bat at No. 3, India head coach Gambhir confirms ahead of Afghanistan Test\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":177240,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-177239","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sports"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image2024.jpg","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":177004,"url":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/?p=177004","url_meta":{"origin":177239,"position":0},"title":"&quot;Didn&#039;t Get Fair Chance&quot;: Gautam Gambhir Confirms India Star&#039;s Return To Test XI &#8211; NDTV Sports","author":"Ajay Kumar Verma","date":"June 5, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"\"Didn't Get Fair Chance\": Gautam Gambhir Confirms India Star's Return To Test XI\u00a0\u00a0NDTV Sports'Hasn\u2019t got fair chance': Gautam Gambhir confirms Sai Sudharsan at No.3 for Afghanistan Test\u00a0\u00a0The Times of IndiaSai Sudharsan to bat at No. 3, India to prepare four spinners for Sri Lanka tour: Gambhir\u00a0\u00a0The HinduWe could've done better\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;National News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"National News","link":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/?cat=7"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/J6_coFbogxhRI9iM864NL_liGXvsQp2AupsKei7z0cNNfDvGUmWUy20nuUhkREQyrpY4bEeIBucs0-w300-rw.webp?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":177056,"url":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/?p=177056","url_meta":{"origin":177239,"position":1},"title":"IND vs AFG Test, Preview: India\u2019s struggling batting order in focus against spirited Afghanistan","author":"Ajay Kumar Verma","date":"June 5, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"A one-off Test against Afghanistan, beginning at the New PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh on Saturday, will be an ideal reconvening point for India before it squabbles up for a late charge at the World Test Championship final. Left with a daunting path to the summit clash after the home\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Sports&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Sports","link":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/?cat=9"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image2028.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image2028.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image2028.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image2028.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image2028.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":177192,"url":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/?p=177192","url_meta":{"origin":177239,"position":2},"title":"Coach Gambhir on ICC\u2019s pink-ball trial for day Test matches: I love that, it\u2019s a proactive move","author":"Ajay Kumar Verma","date":"June 5, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"India head coach Gautam Gambhir on Friday welcomed the ICC\u2019s decision to allow the use of pink balls during day Tests, describing it as an opportunity for teams to get results in matches affected by inclement weather. Following its board meeting, the ICC had okayed a trial of pink balls\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Sports&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Sports","link":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/?cat=9"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image2027.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image2027.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image2027.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image2027.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image2027.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":175552,"url":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/?p=175552","url_meta":{"origin":177239,"position":3},"title":"Selectors should pick up the phone and apologise: Sanjay Manjrekar on Yashasvi Jaiswal\u2019s ODI exclusion","author":"Ajay Kumar Verma","date":"June 1, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Former India international Sanjay Manjrekar has suggested that national team selectors owe Yashasvi Jaiswal an explanation for his exclusion from India\u2019s squad for its upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan. Speaking about the selectors\u2019 decision to go with Rohit Sharma over Jaiswal for the series on Sportstar\u2019s Insight Edge podcast, Manjrekar\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Sports&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Sports","link":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/?cat=9"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_JAISWAL_2_1_ASF9BNIP.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_JAISWAL_2_1_ASF9BNIP.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_JAISWAL_2_1_ASF9BNIP.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_JAISWAL_2_1_ASF9BNIP.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_JAISWAL_2_1_ASF9BNIP.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":172728,"url":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/?p=172728","url_meta":{"origin":177239,"position":4},"title":"RCB vs GT Qualifier 1, IPL 2026: Sai Sudharsan dismissed hit wicket against Royal Challengers Bengaluru","author":"Ajay Kumar Verma","date":"May 26, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"In a bizarre incident, Gujarat Titans opener Sai Sudharsan got out hit wicket wicket against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Qualifier 1 clash in Dharamsala on Tuesday night. The incident took place in the third over when Sudharsan, who cut an outside off length ball from Jacob Duffy to the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Sports&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Sports","link":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/?cat=9"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/India_IPL_Cricket_166_.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/India_IPL_Cricket_166_.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/India_IPL_Cricket_166_.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/India_IPL_Cricket_166_.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/India_IPL_Cricket_166_.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":174237,"url":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/?p=174237","url_meta":{"origin":177239,"position":5},"title":"GT vs RR, IPL 2026 Qualifier 2: Sai Sudharsan hit wicket again versus Rajasthan Royals","author":"Ajay Kumar Verma","date":"May 29, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"For the second time in as many games, Gujarat Titans opener Sai Sudharsan was hit wicket against Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) Qualifier 2 match in Mullanpur on Friday night. The incident took place in the 13th over when Sudharsan, who has cruising at 58, sliced a\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Sports&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Sports","link":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/?cat=9"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/46_RVM_9498.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/46_RVM_9498.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/46_RVM_9498.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/46_RVM_9498.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/newslink360.space\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/46_RVM_9498.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pgnRh4-K6H","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/177239","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=177239"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/177239\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/177240"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=177239"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=177239"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newslink360.space\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=177239"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}