Sai Sudharsan’s 87 Not Enough? India Coach Flags Critical Flaw in Back-Foot Play

Table of Contents

• Sai Sudharsan Shines—but Coach Sees Red Flags
• The Technical Flaw Explained
• Why Back-Foot Issues Matter in Test Cricket
• Sai and Yashasvi Put India in Command
• Coaching Perspective: Mentality Meets Mechanics
• What Next for Sai Sudharsan?
• Sources

Sai Sudharsan Shines—but Coach Sees Red Flags

Sai Sudharsan’s 87 in the second Test against West Indies was a masterclass in composure and timing—yet it wasn’t enough to escape scrutiny from India’s batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak. Despite helping India build a commanding position alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal’s century, Sudharsan’s dismissal exposed a recurring technical vulnerability that Kotak is urgently trying to correct.

The Technical Flaw Explained

According to Kotak, Sudharsan’s issue lies in his back-foot play—specifically, his tendency to go back to deliveries that are actually too full for that movement. “He very much knows that,” Kotak told reporters, emphasizing that the 22-year-old is fully aware of the flaw and is working diligently to iron it out.

When a batter plays back to a full-length ball, they risk getting trapped on the crease, leading to dismissals like lbw or bowled—exactly how Sudharsan fell in the Port of Spain Test. This misjudgment is subtle but costly at the international level, where bowlers exploit even the smallest technical lapses.

Why Back-Foot Issues Matter in Test Cricket

In Test cricket, where patience and precision define success, footwork isn’t just about flair—it’s survival. Misreading length can:

• Lead to early dismissals in crucial partnerships
• Disrupt rhythm against high-quality pace or spin
• Limit scoring options on turning or seaming tracks

For a rising star like Sudharsan—already praised for his mental toughness—fixing this could be the difference between a promising start and a legendary career.

Sai and Yashasvi Put India in Command

Despite the critique, Sudharsan’s 87 was instrumental in India’s dominant first innings. Opening alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal—who smashed a brilliant century—the duo laid a solid foundation that put the hosts on the back foot. Their partnership showcased the depth of India’s next-gen batting talent, with both players under 23.

While Jaiswal’s aggressive strokeplay grabbed headlines, Sudharsan’s calm accumulation under pressure reaffirmed why selectors see him as a long-term No. 3 candidate.

Coaching Perspective: Mentality Meets Mechanics

Kotak didn’t mince words—but his tone wasn’t punitive. “He’s mentally very strong,” he noted, highlighting Sudharsan’s coachability and awareness. That self-awareness, Kotak believes, is half the battle won.

The coaching staff is now drilling Sudharsan on length recognition and front-foot triggers during practice sessions. The goal? To ensure he doesn’t fall into the same trap against smarter bowling attacks—like Australia or England—where such errors are punished ruthlessly.

What Next for Sai Sudharsan?

With the series against West Indies serving as a testing ground, Sudharsan has a golden opportunity to refine his game before tougher challenges loom. If he can correct his back-foot tendency, he’ll not only cement his place in the XI but also evolve into a pillar of India’s middle order for years to come.

For now, fans can celebrate his 87—but behind the scenes, the real work has just begun.

Sources

India coach warns Sai Sudharsan despite 87 – The Times of India