Ramesh's partner in Test cricket as an opening batsman is Shiv Sunder Das. A talented youngster from Orissa, Das has made a name for himself in world cricket, in the few matches that he has played. A striking contrast to Ramesh in approach to batting, Das is very much the purist. The diminutive lad is compact in his stroke-play and solid in technique. Comfortable off both feet, Das executes the back foot strokes with a touch more felicity than most. In a short career of six Tests thus far, Das averages just under 40 with a maiden century against the touring Zimbabweans to his name.