Injured Sai Sudharsan Likely to Miss 2nd Test vs England at Edgbaston: Who Will Bat at No. 3?
Sai Sudharsan may miss the 2nd Test vs England due to a shoulder injury. Who will bat at No. 3? Explore possible replacements and how it could impact India's playing XI.
In a major setback for Team India, young sensation Sai Sudharsan is likely to miss the 2nd Test against England at Edgbaston, starting July 2, due to a shoulder injury. The 22-year-old Tamil Nadu batter, who made his Test debut at Headingley, suffered the injury while fielding during the final innings of the match. With his status under medical observation, India might be forced to make a crucial change in their top-order lineup.
⚠️ Injury Update: Sai Sudharsan Doubtful for Edgbaston Test
According to sources, Sudharsan complained of severe shoulder discomfort on the final day of the first Test. While the full extent of the injury has not yet been confirmed, team medical staff are closely monitoring his recovery. A final decision will be made post-fitness assessment, but his chances of taking the field look slim at the moment.
If ruled out, India’s top-order dynamics may need a quick shuffle as the second match of the high-stakes five-Test series approaches.
🔍 Who Will Bat at No. 3 if Sudharsan Misses Out?
Sudharsan’s absence could open the door for young talents to step up. Here are the top contenders for the No. 3 spot:
1️⃣ Nitish Kumar Reddy
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Recently shined during India A’s tour of Australia
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Can also bowl medium pace, offering a dual skillset
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May fit in the middle order, allowing Karun Nair to move up the order
2️⃣ Karun Nair
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Has the experience and temperament for the No. 3 role
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Already in the squad and familiar with English conditions
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Would offer stability alongside Shubman Gill and KL Rahul
3️⃣ Dhruv Jurel
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If selected, Jurel could take over wicketkeeping duties, allowing Rishabh Pant to focus solely on batting
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This setup could allow India to balance the side better without compromising batting depth
😔 Sai Sudharsan’s Tough Start in Red-Ball Cricket
The IPL 2025 Orange Cap winner, Sudharsan, arrived in England with high expectations. However, his Test debut at Headingley was far from memorable:
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First Innings: Dismissed for a duck by Ben Stokes
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Second Innings: Scored 30 before again falling to Stokes
Despite a promising partnership with KL Rahul, Sudharsan couldn’t establish himself in the long format. His early exit in both innings left India vulnerable, as the team failed to build a significant lead.
🧢 Sai Sudharsan’s IPL 2025 Performance: A Stark Contrast
Sudharsan’s rise to the national team was largely due to his stellar IPL 2025 season. Let’s look at his overall IPL stats:
| Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Strike Rate | 50s | 100s | Fours | Sixes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 | 1793 | 108* | 49.81 | 145.90 | 12 | 0 | 183 | 52 |
His consistent match-winning knocks and dominance against quality attacks made him one of the most talked-about young batters in world cricket. That form, however, has yet to transition to Test cricket.
📉 First Test Recap: India’s Missed Opportunity
Despite holding the upper hand for large stretches of the first Test, India slumped to a 5-wicket loss at Headingley. A sub-par second innings — where players like Sudharsan failed to capitalize — allowed England to successfully chase 371 runs, marking a dramatic comeback.
This defeat has now piled pressure on Shubman Gill’s team heading into the Edgbaston Test. A few bold decisions, including reworking the top order, could be vital to keep the series alive.
🧪 A Chance for New Blood to Shine
If Sudharsan is officially ruled out, this could be a golden opportunity for India to test the likes of:
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Nitish Kumar Reddy — youthful aggression, versatility
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Karun Nair — experience and red-ball pedigree
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Dhruv Jurel — tactical balance with keeping duties
The selectors and team management will face a tough decision, but the priority will be to bring solidity back to India’s top order.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Sai Sudharsan’s injury, while unfortunate, might be the opening others need to stake a long-term claim. It’s clear that the Edgbaston Test could be a turning point in the series, and India must recalibrate quickly to stay competitive against a confident England unit.
While fans await an official fitness update, Team India’s plans for the No. 3 spot remain a burning question — one that could shape the outcome of this highly anticipated five-match series.
