The Indian team management’s decision to leave Sai Sudharsan out of the playing XI for the first Test against South Africa in Kolkata had raised eyebrows.

India sent Washington Sundar to bat at No. 3 instead, valuing his all-round skills on a turning track of Eden Gardens. However, the plan backfired as the hosts suffered a shocking 30-run defeat to concede 1-0 lead to Proteas in the two-Test series.

Notably, Sudharsan made his Test debut on the tour of England, where he batted at No. 3 position. The southpaw also batted at the same spot against the West Indies at home, where he produced a fine knock of 87 in Delhi Test. But the Indian think tank made a bold move in Kolkata, dropping Sudharsan and promoting Sundar to No. 3 position.

Ever since Gautam Gambhir’s appointment as head coach, the position of No.3 has become a conundrum, with game of musical chairs being played out. During the England tour, Karun Nair was promoted to one down spot in the second and third Tests after Sudharsan’s failure in the series opener.

Speaking to Ravichandran Ashwin on the latter's YouTube show ‘Ash Ki Baat’, veteran batter Ajinkya Rahane threw his weight behind Sudharsan for the crucial batting slot.

“I'll take a name. Sai Sudharsan. He did well, 87 and 39, I guess. When you bat at No.3, it requires a different skill. Batting at 6 or 7, requires a different skill. Washy is a great player, an amazing player and an amazing talent. But going to bat at No.3 is very confusing for him. He must be thinking, ‘How do I set my game?’ Washy, I believe, is a bowling all-rounder,” said Rahane.

“If he has to bat at No.3, then he has to prepare differently, and he will need to give it more time. Batting lower down the order is a completely different skill. Situations and conditions are different. Whether it is Washy or Sai, giving security is of utmost importance," he added.

Rahane also urged the Gambhir-led management to identify a long-term No.3 between Sudharsan and Sundar and give the concerned player a “long rope.”

“If the team management is looking at Sai at No.3 for a long duration, then he should be given the long rope. Similar to Washy,” Rahane stated.

"A player has his career on the line. We have to play for our country, so if you want to get a player playing at No.3 for long, then giving them a long rope is important,” he remarked.

With skipper Shubman Gill ruled out of the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati, Sai Sudharsan returned to the playing XI. It remains to be seen who comes out to bat after the fall of first wicket in a must-win Test match for India.