On Friday, November 14, India and South Africa kicked off their two-match Test series at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. South Africa won the toss and decided to bat first. Both teams made a few big changes in their playing XIs. The Proteas missed the services of Kagiso Rabada and Dewald Brevis, while India sprang a huge surprise by leaving out young batter Sai Sudharsan. As soon as the line-up was announced, fans expressed disappointment online. This article explains why India benched Sai and who replaced him. Why Sai Sudharsan Was Not Picked for the 1st Test vs SA Tactical Move to Add More Spinners Sai Sudharsan is not injured. His exclusion is a tactical move by the Indian team management. Leaving him out allowed India to bring back Axar Patel and play four spinners in the first Test, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar. Washington Sundar was sent to bat at No. 3, a position where he has fared reasonably well in red-ball cricket. His presence in the top three allowed India the opportunity to reinforce their bowling without any weakening of the batting. Playing four spinners in a Test is a rare tactic by India and for the first time since 2012 that they have resorted to this combination. This move was not possible if Sai Sudharsan had been in the XI, as his role of a pure batter reduces India's options with the ball. The Eden Gardens pitch also has a tendency to assist spinners as the match progresses, which made this decision more practical. Also Read | Why Kagiso Rabada Missed South Africa’s XI vs India in 1st Test Room for Both Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel The need to accommodate the fit-again Rishabh Pant and the in-form Dhruv Jurel was another big reason behind Sai's exclusion. While Pant's return was a given, Jurel just could not be left out looking at his recent form. Jurel had made two unbeaten hundreds in the India A vs South Africa A series, while Sai Sudharsan could manage only 84 in four innings. Comparing their recent form, Jurel clearly looked stronger and merited the spot. Also, Washington Sundar's numbers with the bat are better than Sai's in red-ball cricket. Sundar averages 44.71 in Tests for India, while Sai's average stands at 30.33. Hence, he was a far safer option than Sai at No. 3. India also wanted more all-rounders in the side. With Sundar, Jadeja, and Axar, India added depth in both batting and bowling. Even Yashasvi Jaiswal can bowl if needed. Conclusion Not playing Sai Sudharsan is not a gamble on India's part. It's a calculated decision, concerning form, balance, and conditions. There's a long WTC cycle ahead; India can make changes. However, the XI seems balanced and strong enough to trouble South Africa at Eden Gardens.