With skipper Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill not available for the first Test match, it will be the slight task for India's think tank when it comes to maintaining the proper batting lineup

With a few players in line to make it to the Indian squad, Sai Sudharsan was left in the backseat in the race. Let's take a look at his achievements in the international circuit so far which makes him a possible option if the opportunity arises

A fine start to an international career

In December last year, Sudarshan made a fine start to his international career, scoring two back-to-back ODI half-centuries against South Africa in Johannesburg and Gqeberha, with a highest score of 62. In three ODIs, he has scored 127 runs at an average of 63.50, striking at 89.43

Centuries in overseas conditions

Sudarshan has delivered some notable knocks during his two-year-long first-class career so far. Besides ODI half-centuries in South Africa, he also has centuries in Australia and England in the longest format of the game

During the recent Australia A and India A series in Australia, Sudarshan scored a century, scoring 103 in 200 balls, with nine fours at Mackay, though in a losing cause. Also, he has a century in County Cricket, scoring it against Nottinghamshire this year, playing an innings of 105 runs with 10 fours and a six

Big impact in important matches

Though Sudarshan's international career has not reached the pressure levels of a World Cup final match, the left-hander has performed in big matches whenever possible, be it in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) or for India A

Be it his century against Pakistan in the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Emerging Team's Asia Cup, his knock of 96 in 47 balls, though in a losing cause against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Gujarat Titans' IPL 2023 final clash at Ahmedabad, or his century for Lyca Kovai Kings (LKK) in Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) playoff clash, this opener knows how to light up big stages with his batting