'The No.3 conundrum is back': Former cricketer flags India's growing batting-order concern
NEW DELHI: India's long-standing No.3 problem has once again come under scrutiny after Sai Sudharsan was dismissed for a golden duck on Day 4 of the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford.
Former cricketer
Aakash Chopra
has weighed in on the matter, highlighting how the crucial batting spot remains unsettled even after multiple attempts to find a stable performer.
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India ended the day at 174/2, with KL Rahul (87*) and Shubman Gill (78*) guiding the team out of early trouble after a double strike from Chris Woakes in the very first over. India still trail by 137 runs, with England earlier piling up 669 on the back of Ben Stokes' majestic 141.
Poll
Should Sai Sudharsan continue to bat at No.3 for India?
Yes, he needs more chances
No, it's time to try someone else
On his YouTube channel, Chopra questioned India's options at No.3: 'A question that is coming to the fore repeatedly is what will happen to No. 3. Sai Sudharsan scored runs at No. 3 in the first innings. However, he got out for zero in the second innings. This happened to him previously as well.'
Sudharsan has scored 91 runs at an average of 22.75 in four innings at No.3. Before him, Karun Nair managed just 131 runs at 21.83 in six innings — including four at No.3.
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'Karun Nair was given chances, but he couldn't do that well either. Abhimanyu Easwaran hasn't got a go yet. Shreyas Iyer could be a possibility later on. But the No.3 problem is not yet sorted,' Chopra added.
Chopra pointed out the irony that India were expected to struggle at No.4 and the top after Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma stepped away, but the team has managed to fill those voids impressively.
'You haven't felt Virat Kohli's absence at No.4. KL Rahul has filled Rohit's shoes. Gill is already on 78, some of his shots were breathtaking,' Chopra said.
India's batting-order puzzle, however, is far from solved.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
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