As Team India prepares to take on the West Indies in the 2nd Test at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in New Delhi, young batsman Sai Sudharsan has found encouragement from captain Shubman Gill during the latest training sessions.
Gill was seen spending extra time with Sudharsan, offering throw-downs and insightful batting guidance to help the promising southpaw sharpen his skills and regain his lost touch. Despite showing potential, Sudharsan’s tally of 147 runs in seven innings—with just a single fifty—has invited increased scrutiny. Nonetheless, the selectors have maintained their faith in him, refraining from making harsh decisions similar to those involving players like Karun Nair.
With the Delhi Test looming and the West Indies’ bowling attack yet to hit top gear, Sudharsan now faces a golden opportunity to turn promise into performance. Inspired by Gill’s mentorship, the left-hander is determined to capitalize on this chance, aiming to produce an innings that could finally cement his place in India’s Test squad.
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**Pitch Update as Team India Eyes Series Whitewash**
Team India will be hoping to inflict a series whitewash against a struggling West Indies side in the second and final Test at Feroz Shah Kotla.
A good batting surface is expected, with curators predicting that the pitch will support strokeplay during the first two days before gradually offering slow turn as the match progresses. Traditionally known for its black-soil base, the Kotla pitch usually favors batters early on and then deteriorates to assist spinners.
For this Test, a freshly prepared center strip has been laid out, promising dominant batting conditions in the early stages of the game. The pitch’s preparation is being overseen by local curator Ankit Datta, with senior BCCI curators Taposh Chatterjee and Ashish Bhowmick supervising the final touches.
The curators have focused on ensuring even bounce and true carry during the initial days, aiming to provide a fair contest primarily favoring the batters. Spinners are expected to come into play from day three onwards, with slow turn anticipated.
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Currently, India leads the two-match series 1-0 after a comprehensive innings-and-140-run victory in the opening Test at Ahmedabad. With indications pointing to a batting-friendly wicket in Delhi, the stage is set for an exciting contest. The West Indies will look to withstand the early onslaught and extend the series, while India aims to seal a dominant series win on home soil.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/ind-vs-wi-2nd-test-shubman-gill-mentors-sai-sudharsan-amid-poor-batting-form-before-delhi-test