Dinesh Karthik’s prediction turned out to be spot on as Sai Sudharsan fell agonizingly short of a maiden Test hundred in the second India vs West Indies Test at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
The young left-hander, who had batted with poise for most of the innings, became the subject of a scathing on-air remark from Karthik after a lapse in concentration that nearly cost him his wicket — and eventually did.
A Promising Partnership… Then a Costly Lapse
Everything was going smoothly for India. Yashasvi Jaiswal had brought up his eighth Test century, and Sudharsan, batting at No. 3, was on course for his first. The duo had already shared a brilliant century stand, with Sudharsan moving steadily to 58 off 106 balls.
Then came the moment that changed the narrative. Sudharsan played a loose flick to a delivery he should have put away more decisively. The ball ballooned to Jomel Warrican, who seemed to have completed the catch — only for the ball to pop out of his hands as he hit the ground. Sudharsan survived, but Karthik didn’t hold back.
Karthik’s Scathing Take on Sudharsan’s Shot
Karthik, on commentary, was visibly frustrated with Sudharsan’s execution and focus.
“Pretty lazy from Sai Sudharsan. He should have either been deep in the crease, pulling the ball or playing a stronger shot. This was a lazy flick shot, looking to tuck it for a single,” Karthik said.
“He’s going to tell himself he’s played that flick often, but the position he got into showed a lack of concentration. There’s only one reason why he won’t get a 100 today — and that’s himself. I don’t see any beauties being bowled at him today. All he needs is to control his mind and the runs will come.”
Prophecy Comes True
As it turned out, Karthik’s words proved prophetic. Sudharsan fought his way into the 80s and looked set to convert a good knock into a memorable century. But Jomel Warrican came back to have the final say.
A sharp turner rapped Sudharsan on the pads, and the umpire had no hesitation in raising his finger. A hesitant DRS call didn’t help — the decision stayed, and Sudharsan walked back 13 runs short of his maiden Test hundred. India also lost a review in the process.
A Missed Opportunity for Sudharsan
Since his debut earlier this year, Sudharsan has shown flashes of promise — including a fifty at Manchester and a solid 38 at The Oval. But at No. 3, he has yet to cement his spot convincingly. His dismissal against the West Indies will sting, especially after coming so close to a landmark moment.
For Dinesh Karthik, the moment underlined his earlier point — sometimes, the toughest battle isn’t with the bowler, but with the batter’s own mind.
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