India could have handled No.3 uncertainty better, admits Ryan ten Doeschate

India's long-standing search for a dependable No.3 batter in Test cricket has once again come under the spotlight, with assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate acknowledging that the team could have managed the position more effectively over the last year.

Speaking ahead of India's one-off Test against Afghanistan in Mullanpur, ten Doeschate admitted that frequent changes in the role have made it difficult for any batter to establish himself and grow into the position.

The comments come at a time when India's Test batting order is undergoing a period of transition following the retirements of several senior players and the emergence of a new generation of batters.

No.3 Remains India's Biggest Test Question

The No.3 position has traditionally been one of the most important roles in Test cricket.

The batter often arrives at the crease early and must be capable of handling both the new ball and pressure situations.

For years, India enjoyed stability in the role, but recent seasons have seen multiple players rotate through the position.

Frequent Changes Hurt Continuity

According to ten Doeschate, constant changes are far from ideal for a role that requires patience and long-term development.

He suggested that selectors and team management now need to identify a candidate and provide sufficient opportunities to succeed.

The coach emphasized that consistency in selection is often necessary before a player can truly make the position his own.

Several Players Have Been Tried

Since the departure of India's established middle-order structure, several batters have been tested at No.3.

The team has experimented with different combinations in search of the ideal fit.

While some players have shown promise, none have fully secured the role for an extended period.

Sai Sudharsan Among Leading Contenders

One of the strongest candidates remains .

The left-hander has received opportunities in the role and continues to be viewed as a player with significant long-term potential.

His performances have shown glimpses of quality, though selectors are still looking for greater consistency at the international level.

Devdutt Padikkal Still in the Race

Another player firmly in contention is .

The stylish left-hander has accumulated substantial runs in domestic cricket and remains highly regarded by the team management.

His technique and temperament have kept him in the discussion for the role despite limited opportunities at the highest level.

Need to Trust One Option

Ten Doeschate's central message was clear: India must eventually stop searching and start backing a chosen candidate.

Rather than judging players after only a handful of innings, the management wants to provide a longer runway for development.

The approach reflects a desire to build stability within the Test setup.

Afghanistan Test Provides Fresh Opportunity

The upcoming Test against Afghanistan presents another opportunity for one of the contenders to strengthen his claim.

With relatively few Test matches scheduled over the next few months, every innings could prove crucial in shaping future selection decisions.

The performance of India's No.3 batter will therefore be closely monitored.

Scheduling Creates Additional Challenge

India's Test calendar also complicates the selection process.

After the Afghanistan match, the team faces a lengthy gap before its next red-ball assignment.

This makes it harder to evaluate players through a continuous run of matches.

Transition Phase for Indian Cricket

Indian cricket is currently navigating an important transition period.

A new generation of batters is attempting to establish itself while the team simultaneously remains focused on World Test Championship ambitions.

Finding the right No.3 batter is considered an important part of that process.

Importance of the Position

The No.3 role has historically been occupied by some of India's most reliable Test batters.

Success in the position often provides stability to the entire batting order.

As a result, selectors view it as one of the most significant decisions facing the team.

Technical Adjustments Underway

India's coaching staff has also been working with players on adapting from white-ball cricket back to the demands of Test cricket.

The emphasis has been on patience, shot selection and technical discipline.

These adjustments are particularly important for batters competing for top-order positions.

Team Wants Quick Progress

While the management is prepared to show patience, it also recognizes the need for quick improvement.

India's ambitions in the World Test Championship leave little room for prolonged uncertainty.

The sooner the position is settled, the better for the team's long-term plans.

Competition Remains Healthy

The positive aspect for India is the availability of multiple talented candidates.

Healthy competition ensures standards remain high and gives selectors several options to consider.

The challenge lies in identifying the player best suited to the role over an extended period.

Key Talking Points

• Main Issue: India's unsettled No.3 position in Tests
• Leading Candidates: Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal
• Coach's View: Back one player and give him time
• Upcoming Opportunity: Afghanistan Test
• Objective: Long-term stability in the batting order

Final Word

Ryan ten Doeschate's comments highlight one of the most important challenges facing India's Test team.

After experimenting with multiple players at No.3, the management now appears ready to commit to a long-term option and provide the backing required for success.

Whether that player is Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal or someone else entirely, the Afghanistan Test could prove to be a significant step toward finally solving one of India's biggest batting puzzles.