Sai Sudharsan switched India A series for Ranji on selectors' advice
Sudharsan says selectors advised him to play Ranji matches to prepare for the New Zealand tour.
Sai Sudharsan said national selectors asked him to play Ranji Trophy matches instead of continuing with India A. He arrived in Jaipur late on October 10 for Tamil Nadu's Ranji opener against Rajasthan after finishing a game in Puducherry. Sudharsan spoke to interim chief selector Pragyan Ojha after the first day's play and was told the move would help his preparation for India's tour of New Zealand. He has been watching old videos of India's Tests in New Zealand to study conditions and has noted the windy weather, good bounce and lateral movement. The 24-year-old missed the Test series in Sri Lanka due to a toe stress fracture but said he views the injury as an opportunity to improve his habits and body management. He arrived in Jaipur around 10.40 p.m. on the eve of the match.
CricHubb Take
Sudharsan's switch from India A to Ranji shows selectors now treat domestic red-ball cricket as essential preparation rather than optional. The choice signals that first-class form carries more weight than A-team exposure when picking Test squads.