Why Sai Sudharsan is Not Playing IND vs SA 1st Test? Here's the Reason

The South Africa tour of India 2025 has officially begun today, marking the start of what is expected to be the toughest assignment for the current WTC Champions, South Africa, on Indian soil. The series is going to be a two-match test series and will be held at the iconic Eden Gardens stadium in Kolkata, which is also the oldest cricket stadium in India.

The series opener match started with Temba Bavuma winning the toss and opting to bat first. After losing the toss for another match, Shubman Gill not only drew attention for his record back-to-back toss defeats but with an unexpected selection call, as Sai Sudharsan has been kept out of the playing XI despite his consistent performance and impressive stats.

Why Sai Sudharsan is Not Playing Today?

Sai Sudharsan is not playing the first Test because India chose a tactical combination instead of a direct replacement. The decision to drop Sai Sudharsan is a strategic move that will allow the team to have a lot of bowling options in their playing XI. The left-hander might be one of the best batsmen in India but didn't find a place in this Test.

The team opted to use four spinners in Kolkata, and this would require flexibility at No. 3 batting position. Sai Sudharsan has been in good form, scoring 87 and 39 in his last Test, but he does not offer team bowling options. As India were looking to add more bowling options who can contribute with bat as well in times of need, that’s why team management picked Washington Sundar as the Sai Sudharsan replacement, and he will bat at No. 3.

This decision allows India to field Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Washington Sundar together. Opting for four spinners for this match is purely a strategic move against South Africa, and it is also the first time that the team has opted for four spinners in a Test match since 2012.

Also, in addition to the spinner's choice, one possible reason for Sai Sudharsan replacement is that the team wanted to include both Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel. Pant has returned from injury after the Australian tour; meanwhile, Dhruv Jurel's recent form, where he scored two centuries for India A, made the team management impossible to drop him. This whole situation created a crowded middle order, ultimately leaving Sudharsan out of the XI.

India vs South Africa 1st Test Playing 11 Changes

India made notable changes to their playing XI for the Test match against South Africa, where they strategically found Sai Sudharsan without harming the team’s strength. Vice-captain Rishabh Pant, one of the best wicketkeepers in the world, has made it to the playing XI after his foot injury recovery. Axar Patel was also added to the team, which has strengthened India’s spin department and provided four spinners.

Dhruv Jurel confirmed his ticket with impressive stats in India A team performance, and Washington Sundar replaced Sai at the No. 3 position to support India’s plan of adding an all-rounder. On the South African side, Kagiso Rabada was dropped from the IND vs SA 1st Test playing XI as he is injured, which brought Corbin Bosch as his replacement. Dewald Brevis was also dropped due to a shoulder injury.