Sai Sudharsan after SA Test debacle: We shouldn’t think we’re unfit to play for India

After India suffered a 2-0 whitewash against South Africa in the recent Test series, the batting unit came under fire for being ill-equipped to handle turning tracks at home.

On Saturday, B. Sai Sudharsan responded to the criticism by acknowledging that the batters fell short, stressing the need to take responsibility — both individually and collectively. He maintained that the batting group is capable and must not allow itself to believe otherwise.

“Ideally, we have to take responsibility. We didn’t play well as a batting unit. Personally, I’ll have to take up that responsibility and equip myself. To my understanding, I feel we are all there (ready to play at the top level). It’s not like we’re unfit to play for India. At least, from our point of view, we shouldn’t think like that,” he said at the Narendra Modi Stadium B-Ground in Ahmedabad after a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match.

Sai Sudharsan scored a 42-ball 64 for Tamil Nadu in a losing cause against Jharkhand in their SMAT fixture in Ahmedabad.
| Photo Credit:
VIJAY SONEJI

Sai Sudharsan underlined the need for the batting unit to better equip itself to tackle spin on turning tracks and reverse swing.

“I feel that we can be a bit more equipped and ready to play spin on turning tracks and even reverse swing. Obviously, after a loss like that, we can reflect and learn so many things, and equip ourselves for the next game. There is definitely a lot of hunger or fire inside (all the batters) to make the team win,” he said.

The 24-year-old added that the batters should draw from the Indian greats and develop their own methods to unsettle bowlers.

“There are so many greats who have done really well for the country, and they have set the template. So, it’s not something we have to figure out and do. Maybe, to disturb a bowler, we can have our own options. That I will work on and improve,” he said.

Published on Dec 06, 2025