MANCHESTER [UK]: Young Indian left-hand batter Sai Sudarshan showcased immense character and resilience on Day 1 of the fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 at Old Trafford, Manchester. After a challenging start to his Test career, Sudarshan bounced back strongly with a mature knock of 61 runs off 151 balls, an innings laced with seven boundaries. This performance served as a powerful reminder of his grit and ability to absorb pressure, especially after he was left out of the second and third Tests following his debut.
Sudarshan, who had scores of 0 and 30 on his debut at Headingley, was subsequently dropped for the following two matches. However, he remained composed and continued his diligent work in the background. His efforts clearly paid off when he was given another opportunity in Manchester, seizing it with a crucial half-century.
During the post-day press conference, the 23-year-old acknowledged Shubman Gill, the Test captain of India, for his clear communication and unwavering support. “Yeah, of course. After the first game, Shubby (Shubman Gill) had a conversation with me that because of the combination, and since we were playing at Edgbaston, which is a different kind of wicket but he came and gave me the complete picture, what happened behind the scenes,” Sai revealed.
Sudarshan further praised Gill’s leadership style and his open approach within the dressing room. “He’s very communicative. As captain, Shubby is someone who expresses himself really well. He tells everyone what he’s expecting, and also reassures the players by pointing out what good they’re doing,” Sai added, highlighting the positive environment fostered by his captain.
The left-hander, who has shared the dressing room with Shubman Gill at the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL), reflected on their shared journey. “Seeing Shubby from IPL, it’s been a really great journey to be a part of,” Sai expressed, indicating a strong bond and mutual respect.
At stumps on Day 1, India reached a total of 264/4 in 83 overs. Ravindra Jadeja (19*) and Shardul Thakur (19*) were unbeaten at the crease, having built a vital unbroken partnership of 29 runs off 55 balls.
India had commenced the final session from 149/3 in 52 overs, with Sai Sudarshan (26*) and Rishabh Pant (3*) at the crease. The Shubman Gill-led side touched the 150-run mark in the 53rd over and surpassed the 200-run mark in their innings in the 65th over.
A major concern for India arose at the score of 212 when Rishabh Pant, who was looking solid on 37 runs off 48 balls, was forced to retire hurt. Chris Woakes’ sharp delivery struck him hard on the right foot, causing significant swelling and some bleeding, leaving him barely able to stand. The physio immediately rushed onto the field, but it quickly became clear that Pant could not continue. He was taken off the field in a motorized vehicle due to evident pain. Left-hand batter Ravindra Jadeja came out to replace him. The BCCI has confirmed that the medical team undertook scans on Pant and is monitoring his progress.
In the 69th over, Sai Sudarshan completed his maiden Test fifty, smashing a boundary off off-spinner Joe Root. However, in the 74th over, India lost their fourth wicket as England captain Ben Stokes dismissed Sai Sudarshan (61 runs from 151 balls) when the team’s score was 235. On the second ball of the 79th over, India completed the 250-run mark as Shardul Thakur took a single off left-arm spinner Liam Dawson.
All-rounder Ben Stokes was the most effective bowler for England, taking two wickets for 47 runs in just 14 overs. Right-arm seamer Chris Woakes bagged one wicket for 43 runs in 17 overs, and Liam Dawson claimed one wicket for 45 runs in 15 overs in their respective spells.
Earlier in the day, England won the toss and opted to field first. Indian openers Yashasvi Jaiswal (58 runs off 107 balls) and KL Rahul (46 runs off 98 balls) provided a reasonably good start, getting each a boundary within the first three overs. Jaiswal survived a catch attempt at slip in the first over, and despite some struggles against Woakes, both openers persisted. KL Rahul also achieved a major feat, becoming the fifth Indian batter to complete 1,000 runs in Tests in England, joining the elite company of Sunil Gavaskar, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, and Virat Kohli. India survived the first hour against Woakes, Jofra Archer, and Brydon Carse, reaching 42/0.
Both KL and Jaiswal continued to grind following drinks, and Jaiswal’s cut shot brought India’s fifty-run mark in 17.4 overs. Towards the final few overs of the first session, Jaiswal became more aggressive, playing some big hits against skipper Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer. India ended the first session without losing a wicket, highlighting their strong start.
Brief Score: India 264/4 (Sai Sudarshan 61, Yashasvi Jaiswal 58; Ben Stokes 2/47) vs England.
Sai Sudarshan’s Resilient Fifty Backing Headline India’s Day 1 In Manchester Test
