Books Over Coaching: India's Latest Batting Sensation's Success Mantra in England

India and England are clashing against each other in the fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar trophy in Manchester. England captain Ben Stokes decided to field first after winning the toss, considering the overcast conditions at the venue. India made several changes in the squad due to several injuries; however, there was one change in the squad which has nothing to do with any injuries.

Karun Nair, who played the first three Tests of the series, was dropped, and Sai Sudharsan was included in his place for the fourth Test. Many fans and experts supported the decision, while former India batter Mohammed Kaif slammed India skipper Shubman Gill for not giving another opportunity to the 33-year-old batter. Meanwhile, his replacement, Sudharsan, slammed his maiden Test half-century after missing out on the last two Tests of the series.

Sai Sudharsan Book Reading Habit

Sai Sudharsan's inclusion made a lot of headlines, but some of his pictures before coming into bat went viral. The left-handed batter was spotted reading books in the dugout with his pads and helmet on. While he was wearing his gloves, his Tamil Nadu teammate Washington Sundar was turning the pagesfor him. Many fans were surprised by Sudharsan’s unique tactics to work on his concentration. Interestingly, it worked for him as he played a brilliant knock of 61 runs off 151 deliveries.

Sai Sudharsan book reading incident at Old Trafford is not the first time when he has done something extraordinary in this series. Before this game, he was seen making notes before coming out to bat during the first Test at Headingley, which was also his debut Test match. Sai Sudharsan notes making habit shows his deep love for the game.

He was called in to bat immediately after a few minutes of the second session’s beginning, thanks to KL Rahul’s dismissal. It was pretty hard for him to settle down at the crease after not playing in the second and third Test. Sudharsan survived a testing spell early on and went on to score his maiden Test fifty.

However, a magnificent short delivery from England captain Ben Stokes ended his innings. Sudharsan was already struggling against short-pitched deliveries, and this time he couldn’t keep this one down and lofted the shot in the air. In the end, he was caught by Brydon Carse in the fine leg. It was an end of a stubborn knock from India's new No. 3.

Rishabh Pant Injury Rules Him Out of Series

The highlight of the match was India’s star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant’s unfortunate injury. The left-handed batter sustained a serious injury on his right foot, due to which he had to retire hurt. Playing on 37 runs, Pant went for a reverse sweep of Chris Woakes but missed the shot, and the ball struck his right foot. Pant couldn’t even put his weight on that foot and eventually was taken out of the field on a golf buggy. BCCI confirmed that he was taken for scans, and there were reports that started floating that he needs a six-to-eight week rest.

But to the surprise of everyone, Pant came out to bat on Day 2 of the Test while limping. And not just that, he even smashed a half-century and was applauded by the crowd with loud cheers. India ended up scoring 358 runs in the first innings. England captain Ben Stokes took a five-wicket haul while pacer Jofra Archer picked up three wickets. Stokes has been in an incredible form in this series. And as we expected, Pant didn’t walk out to keep the wickets, and Dhruv Jurel came in as the substitute wicketkeeper, who will continue to do the wicketkeeping duties for the rest of the match.