IND vs WI 2nd Test: Shubman Gill Mentors Sai Sudharsan Amid Poor Batting Form Before Delhi Test
As Team India prepares to take on the West Indies in the 2nd Test at 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 providing insightful batting guidance to help the talented southpaw sharpen his skills and regain his lost touch. Despite his potential, Sudharsan’s tally of 147 runs in seven innings, marked by just a single fifty, has drawn increased scrutiny.
Nonetheless, the selectors have shown faith in him, choosing not to make any harsh decisions such as dropping players, similar to their approach with Karun Nair in the past. As the Delhi Test approaches and with the West Indies bowling attack yet to hit top gear, Sudharsan 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 for an innings that could finally cement his place in India’s Test ranks.
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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. A good batting surface is expected for the second and final Test between India and the West Indies at the Feroz Shah Kotla.
Curators predict 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.
However, 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 that primarily favors batters. Spinners are expected to come into play from day three onwards, with slow turn anticipated.
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India currently 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 as the West Indies will look to withstand the early onslaught and extend the series.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/ind-vs-wi-2nd-test-shubman-gill-mentors-sai-sudharsan-amid-poor-batting-form-before-delhi-test
