Sudharsan 1st Indian player in 38 years to debut with sub-40 FC average

Sai Sudharsan marked his Test debut for India in the opening match of the five-Test series against England at Headingley on Friday. The left-handed batter entered the international red-ball arena with a first-class average of 39.93—placing him in a rare statistical category for Indian top-order batters.

 

Remarkably, Sudharsan becomes the first Indian top-order player in over three decades to make a Test debut with a first-class average below 40. The last instance dates back to 1987/88, when Woorkeri Raman debuted against the West Indies in Chennai with a sub-40 average. 

Check India vs England 1st Test Day 1 live score and match update here

 

Check India vs England 1st Test full scorecard and match details here

 

Sai Sudharsan Career Stats
Format	Mat	Inns	NO	Runs	HS	Ave	BF	SR	100s	50s	4s	6s	Ct
ODIs	3	3	1	127	62	63.5	142	89.43	0	2	17	1	1
T20Is	1	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	0
FC	29	49	0	1957	213	39.93	3554	55.06	7	5	205	10	20
List A	28	27	4	1396	154	60.69	1460	95.61	6	6	153	17	8
T20s	60	59	7	2271	108*	43.67	1645	138.05	2	14	228	56	16

 

Despite the modest number, Sudharsan's inclusion reflects India's faith in his temperament and recent form. Known for his calm presence and elegant strokeplay, the 22-year-old has already made an impression in domestic cricket and limited-overs internationals.

 

With stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli having retired from Tests, India’s batting line-up is undergoing a significant transition. Sudharsan’s promotion to the No. 3 spot signals a bold move by the team management, as India looks to build its next generation of red-ball mainstays.

 

All eyes will now be on Sudharsan to convert potential into performance in challenging English conditions.