New Delhi: Former Tamil Nadu coach Sulakshan Kulkarni has sounded out a warning to the Indian team management regarding Sai Sudharsan’s technique against the moving ball ahead of India’s all-important tour of England. Sudharsan has been handed his maiden Test call-up for India’s upcoming five-match Test series against England and is likely to make his debut on the tour.
Sudharsan, who has been enjoying a purple patch for the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, has been rewarded for his consistent performances in the IPL and the domestic circuit. The left-hander also has County experience behind his back. Sudharsan has a solid batting technique overall and is considered a future Test star by many.
However, Kulkarni, who worked with Sudharsan during his stint with Tamil Nadu, has highlighted how the left-hander’s technique against the moving ball is not good. Kulkarni believes Sudhsarsan’s troubles against the moving ball can cause him problems in England. He has urged the left-hander to work on his shortcomings before the all-important series.
“His domestic record is not great. When I was the coach, I saw him play on a seaming track in at least two matches. And he didn’t play well there. His technique against the moving ball needs to improve,” Kulkarni told the Times of India.
Kulkarni is fairly correct in his assessment of the left-hand batter, as Sudharsan has had his struggles against pace. The Tamil Nadu batter’s domestic record is also far from impressive. He has scored 1957 runs in 29 matches in first-class cricket at an average of less than 40 and a strike rate of 55.06. He has seven centuries and five fifties to his name in first-class cricket, raising serious doubts over his readiness for Test cricket for India.
Sai Sudharsan should play close to his body: Kulkarni
Kulkarni, the former Tamil Nadu coach, has advised Sudharsan to play straight and closer to his body as the batter prepares for his debut Test series for India in England. Kulkarni also urged Sudharsan to work on his technique before the series to ensure he is prepared for the challenging conditions in England. The left-hand batter played for Surrey in the English county in 2024 and 2025.
“He has a tendency of playing away from the body while the secret of success in England is to play late and play the ball right under your nose. He has to curb some of his strokes and should play straight and close to the body. He has to work to get the technique right before the tour,” Kulkarni added.
Sudharsan is being touted as one of the potential contenders to take the tricky no.3 spot in India’s batting line-up in the Test series against England after Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket. However, it remains to be seen if the left-hander would walk straight into the playing XI and what will his role be in the team.
Former Tamil Nadu coach Sulakshan Kulkarni has given his honest assessment on Sai Sudharsan’s technique ahead of India’s Test series against England. Sudharsan has recieved his maiden Test call up for the crucial series. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
