India head coach welcomes ICC’s new bad-light rule and insists B Sai Sudharsan deserves an extended run in the Test side.
India head coach Gautam Gambhir has thrown his support behind the ICC’s newly approved red-ball to pink-ball switch in Test cricket, calling it a proactive step that could help prevent matches from being affected by bad light and improve the chances of achieving results.
Speaking ahead of India’s one-off Test against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh, Gambhir said he fully supports the rule, which allows teams to switch from a red ball to a pink ball during a Test match if poor light threatens play, provided both captains agree.
According to Gambhir, the change could prove crucial in high-stakes situations, particularly during the race to qualify for the ICC World Test Championship final. He argued that teams should not lose valuable playing time because of fading light, especially after working through an entire two-year cycle to remain in contention.
The former India opener described the move as a positive development for Test cricket, acknowledging that adapting to a different ball mid-match could be challenging for players but insisting that the potential benefits outweigh the difficulties.
India currently sit sixth in the World Test Championship standings after a disappointing 2-0 home series defeat to South Africa. Despite that setback, Gambhir remains confident that India have the quality and depth required to reach the final and challenge for the title.
While discussing India’s preparations, Gambhir also addressed the team’s search for a permanent No. 3 batter following Shubman Gill’s move to No. 4 after the retirement of Virat Kohli from Test cricket.
Although Devdutt Padikkal enjoyed an impressive domestic season and remains in contention, Gambhir made it clear that B Sai Sudharsan is currently India’s preferred option at first drop.
The coach believes Sudharsan has not yet received a fair opportunity in Test cricket, noting that his early matches came in challenging English conditions. Gambhir also pointed to the left-hander’s outstanding recent form, including a prolific IPL campaign in which he amassed over 700 runs.
Gambhir stressed that India are committed to giving players an extended run rather than judging them on a handful of matches. He maintained that Sudharsan remains a world-class talent and deserves the backing of the team management as he settles into the role.
While Padikkal remains firmly in India’s plans, Gambhir indicated that the Karnataka batter will need to wait for his opportunity. He reiterated that whenever Padikkal gets his chance, he too will receive the same level of patience and support that Sudharsan is currently being afforded.
With important Test series against Sri Lanka and New Zealand later in the year, India’s management appears determined to establish stability in the batting order while keeping their World Test Championship ambitions firmly on track.
