The Secret Weapon of Sai Sudharsan's Success
It's no secret that Shubman Gill and KL Rahul, with their impressive averages of 75.40 and 53.20 on the recent England tour, also boasted the highest control percentages among India's batters. But here's the twist: the batter with the third-best control percentage was none other than B Sai Sudharsan, who managed a modest 140 runs across six innings, averaging 23.33. Surprising, right?
This revelation sparks a debate about the reliability of averages and control percentages. On one hand, Sudharsan's low average might raise doubts about his consistency. On the other hand, his high control percentage suggests a solid foundation in his technique.
During that England tour, Sudharsan's innings were a study in contrasts. He confidently defended and left good-length balls around the off stump but often fell to seemingly harmless deliveries. This enigma left many scratching their heads.
Selectors and coaches, valuing the eye test, saw potential in Sudharsan, despite his first-class average below 40. His Test debut mirrored WV Raman's, another Tamil Nadu left-hander who debuted in 1988 with a similar average, primarily due to his initial role as a spinner.
The recent tour of England ended with Sudharsan's average at 23.33, leaving the cricket world perplexed. His brief Test experience made it hard to draw definitive conclusions, but his performance in Ahmedabad raised eyebrows. While the rest of India's top six scored well, Sudharsan's score of 7 stood out, especially compared to a promising wicketkeeper-batter who stepped in for the injured regular.
The stage was set for Sudharsan's showdown with the West Indies in Delhi. On a flat Indian pitch, with a modest attack, he had everything to gain. But his recent scorecard in Ahmedabad hinted at potential challenges.
Unfazed by the circumstances, Sudharsan showcased his unique style. Despite criticism for playing most lengths off the back foot against spinners, he continued this approach in Delhi. He hit four back-foot fours off the spinners, two of which were contenders for shot of the day, showcasing his ability to create space and generate power with his wrists.
Throughout his second-wicket stand of 193 with Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sudharsan's back-foot dominance against spin was evident. However, this technique occasionally led to moments of uncertainty, as balls turning, skidding, or keeping low caught him off-guard.
Despite these moments, Sudharsan's control was remarkable. Until he was dropped on 58, he hadn't played a false shot all innings. His eventual dismissal on 87 came from the only false shot he played against spin in 125 balls.
The debate over Sudharsan's method intensified with his dismissal. Ball-by-ball data reveals that batters typically play around 14% of balls in the 4-5m length band off the back foot, but Sudharsan went back to nearly 38% of such balls.
So, is this approach good or bad? It's a matter of perspective. Our perception of technique is shaped by what we're accustomed to. Seeing batters defend off the front foot against fuller deliveries is the norm, so Sudharsan's method appears unusual and even questionable to many.
Sudharsan's dismissal, playing back to a ball most would have gone forward to, fuels this debate. Yet, until that point, he maintained a 100% control rate over 124 balls against spin.
India's batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, offers valuable insight. He acknowledges Sudharsan's Tamil Nadu roots and his proficiency against spin. Kotak highlights Sudharsan's unique back-foot game and the shots he plays that few others can. However, he also suggests that judicious front-foot play could help him against certain lines and lengths.
Kotak's observation underscores the benefits of front-foot play in keeping batters in control. Defending off the back foot can be riskier, as it often leads to either a successful adjustment or a dismissal. Additionally, Kotak praises Sudharsan's mental fortitude and self-belief, which allow him to bat with confidence, unperturbed by external noise.
Sudharsan's innings showcased his talent and the faith his team has in him, disregarding his first-class record and early Test numbers. It raises questions about the support systems available to young talents like Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Alick Athanaze. If cricket is to thrive, it must provide the best opportunities for its rising stars.
What do you think about Sai Sudharsan's unique approach? Is it a stroke of genius or a recipe for inconsistency? Share your thoughts and let's spark a lively discussion!
