Ricky Ponting did not mince his words while commenting on India's issue at number three as the Asian giants struggle to fill the spot, which has seen numerous players take up the spot since Cheteshwar Pujara was dropped, but no one has cemented his place.

While Hanuma Vihari was tried in 2022, Gill took up the spot before Kohli's retirement, when he moved to number four. In the ongoing England tour, Sai Sudharsan batted at three in the first Test before he was dropped with Karun Nair moving up. Sudharsan returned to the spot in the fourth Test as Nair lost his spot.

Former Australian captain Ponting was not pleased with Indian captain Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir and urged them to back Sudharsan. Ponting stated that Gill and Gambhir have built internal pressure.

"It just creates internal pressure, the pressure a youngster doesn't need or someone coming in doesn't need looking over their shoulders on if they will get another opportunity. That's why I was really surprised that they made the call on Sudarshan for the first Test and then went away from him and then went straight back to him." said Ponting to SKY Sports.

"For a young bloke, you want that bit of reassurance from your captain and your coaches - We are picking you now and we are going to give you a decent run at it and see how you go. I've got no doubt that Sudarshan is going to be good enough," Ponting added.

The two-time World Cup-winning captain further called for the Indian captain and head coach to learn from Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes.

"For a young bloke, you want that bit of reassurance from your captain and your coaches - We are picking you now and we are going to give you a decent run at it and see how you go. I've got no doubt that Sudarshan is going to be good enough," Ponting elaborated.