"Ravi Shastri Expresses Confidence in Sai Sudharsan for England Test Series, Labels Him a Promising All-Format Prospect"
A Fresh Spin on a Cricket Prospect
Ever since Ravi Shastri spoke highly of him, Sai Sudharsan has been creating waves in the cricket world. This 23-year-old left-handed batsman from Tamil Nadu could soon be making his mark on India's Test team. With his elegant technique and impressive displays in English conditions, Sudharsan seems to be just the player that India's Test squad needs for their upcoming high-stakes tours.
India's 3-1 Test series defeat in Australia earlier this year took their chances of reaching the ICC World Test Championship Final away. But as they rebuild and rejuvenate their Test team, experts like Shastri are keeping a keen eye on Sudharsan.
Shastri praised Sudharsan's standout performance in IPL 2025, where he scored 456 runs in 9 matches at an average of 50.66 and a strike rate of 150. He's already hit five fifties, with a top score of 82. "I see this young man, Sai Sudharsan, as a player for all formats. He seems like a class player, and my eyes would certainly be on him," said Shastir.
Sudharsan's talent isn't just limited to the glitzy T20 format; he's proven his mettle in the white-ball format as well, scoring 127 runs in three ODIs, including two half-centuries. What sets him apart is his experience in English conditions, having played for Surrey in the County Championship across the 2023 and 2024 seasons. In five matches, he scored 281 runs, including a century and a fifty.
"Being a left-hander in England, knowing the conditions, and just his technique, the way he plays, I think he will be at the top of the list for me among the outsiders pushing to get into this side," Shastri added. Though Sudharsan is yet to make his Test debut, his domestic and IPL performances, coupled with his experience in English conditions, make him a promising candidate for selection.
Sudharsan's technical discipline and first-class pedigree, as demonstrated by his impressive numbers in 25 first-class matches, have caught the eyes of experts. His self-proclaimed goal of Test cricket success further highlights his focus and determination. While his unproven Test record in overseas conditions is a concern for some, his County experience could prove crucial in swaying the selectors' decision.
As India prepares for a challenging Test series in England, the potential inclusion of Sai Sudharsan could mark the beginning of a new chapter in Indian cricket's red-ball journey. The competition for the opening slots in India's top order is fierce, with established names like Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shubman Gill vying for spots. But Sudharsan's consistent performances in domestic and high-pressure T20 cricket suggest that he's more than ready to step up. Will he grab his chance and become a permanent fixture in India's Test team? Only time will tell.
Shastri praised Sudharsan's performance in IPL 2025, with 456 runs at an average of 50.66 and a strike rate of 150, making him a potential candidate for India's Test team in 2025. Despite concerns about his unproven Test record overseas, his domestic and County Championship experience could help sway selectors. As India prepares for a challenging Test series in England, Sudharsan's consistent performances could mark a rejuvenation for India's Test team.
