IND vs SA: Team management backs Sai Sudharsan as he works on securing the No.3 spot

Indian team was involved in an intense net session ahead of South Africa home series, where Shubman Gill spend a lot of time improving his skills.

Another batter to spend significant time at the nets was Sai Sudharsan, the Tamil Nadu youngster who managed just 84 runs in two unofficial Tests for India A against South Africa A.

The team management continues to back him for the No. 3 slot, though he is yet to make it his own, with only a 61 against England in Manchester and 87 versus West Indies at home to show in Tests so far.

His India A teammates KL Rahul, Jurel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj skipped the optional practice joining the squad only a day earlier after a demanding A series in Bengaluru that concluded on Sunday.

But there was no such ‘break‘ for Sai who batted with full intensity, facing pacers, spinners, and throwdowns at the centre strip. The number three position remains a talking point, especially with Dhruv Jurel in prolific form.

There’s also speculation that Jurel could feature as a pure batter, with Rishabh Pant set to return to wicket-keeping duties after injury.

Jurel, who averages 47.77 in Tests and notched his maiden ton against the West Indies, has been in red-hot first-class form three centuries in his last five matches, including twin hundreds in the second match against South Africa A.

Among pacers, only Bumrah turned up, keeping it light with spot bowling to two stumps for about 15 minutes, targeting the off stump.

In a relaxed mood, he also batted briefly and spent time interacting with teammates. Bumrah had light strapping on his right knee but bowled under the supervision of Gambhir and Morkel.

With PTI Inputs.