Promising left-handed batter Sai Sudharsan endured a forgettable start to his Test career, becoming the 30th Indian cricketer to be dismissed for a duck on debut, during the first Test against England at Headingley. The 23-year-old was caught behind off Ben Stokes after facing just four deliveries, falling victim to a well-executed plan involving a leg slip and gully.
🏏 A Debut to Forget, But Not Uncommon
Sudharsan’s dismissal places him in an unexpected list that includes names like Ravichandran Ashwin, Umesh Yadav, and even Gundappa Viswanath, who famously bounced back with a century in his second innings. The first Indian to register a duck on debut was C.T. Sarwate in 1946.
📅 A Date of Contrasts: June 20
Ironically, Sudharsan made his debut on June 20, the same date that saw the Test debuts of Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, and Virat Kohli—all of whom went on to become Indian cricket legends.
🔄 Redemption Awaits
Despite the early setback, cricket history is filled with players who overcame poor starts to build stellar careers. With the second innings yet to come, Sudharsan has a chance to rewrite his debut narrative and prove his mettle in red-ball cricket.
Stay tuned for Day 2 updates from Headingley.
