Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has publicly backed Sai Sudharsan for a spot in India’s Test squad for the upcoming five-match series against England, set to begin in June 2025. Shastri made his recommendation during a recent episode of The ICC Review, emphasizing Sudharsan’s class, technique, and suitability for English conditions.
Why Shastri Wants Sai Sudharsan in the Squad
Ravi Shastri praised Sai Sudharsan as a player with the potential to excel across all formats. He highlighted several reasons for his selection:
- Versatility: Shastri believes Sudharsan is an all-format player, already proving himself in white-ball cricket and ready for the red-ball challenge.
- Current Form: Sudharsan has been a standout performer in IPL 2025, amassing 504 runs in 10 innings at an average of 50 and a strike rate of 154.
- Technique and Temperament: Shastri described Sudharsan as a “class player” with a solid technique, particularly valuable for batting in English conditions.
- Left-handed Advantage: As a left-hander, Sudharsan could provide variety to India’s batting order, which could be crucial in England.
- Experience in England: Sudharsan has played county cricket for Surrey, giving him firsthand experience of English pitches and conditions.
“I see this young man, Sai Sudharsan, for all formats of the game. He seems like a class player and my eyes would be on him certainly. Being a left-hander in England, knowing English conditions, and just his technique, the way he plays, I think he’ll be top of the list for me from the outsiders wanting to get into this side,” Shastri said.
Sudharsan’s Credentials
- IPL 2025: 504 runs in 10 innings, average 50, strike rate 154.
- First-class cricket: 1,957 runs in 29 matches, average just under 40.
- International Experience: Played three ODIs and one T20I for India, with notable scores of 55* and 62.
- County Stint: Represented Surrey in the County Championship, gaining valuable experience in English conditions.
Shastri’s Broader Recommendations
Alongside Sudharsan, Shastri also advocated for the inclusion of a left-arm fast bowler for the England tour, naming Arshdeep Singh and Khaleel Ahmed as strong contenders to exploit English conditions.
FAQs
Who is the young batter Ravi Shastri wants in India’s Test squad for England?
Ravi Shastri wants Sai Sudharsan to be included in India’s Test squad for the England series.
Why does Shastri rate Sai Sudharsan highly for Test cricket?
Shastri believes Sudharsan’s technique, temperament, and experience in English conditions make him ideal for the Test format in England.
Has Sai Sudharsan played Test cricket for India?
No, Sudharsan has not yet made his Test debut for India but has played in ODIs and T20Is.
What are Sudharsan’s recent achievements?
He has been in excellent form in IPL 2025 and has played county cricket for Surrey, performing well in both formats.
Who else did Shastri suggest for the England tour?
Shastri also recommended left-arm pacers Arshdeep Singh and Khaleel Ahmed for their ability to exploit English conditions.
Conclusion
Ravi Shastri’s endorsement of Sai Sudharsan for India’s Test squad underlines the young batter’s rapid rise and adaptability. With strong domestic and IPL performances, and valuable experience in England, Sudharsan could be a key addition as India looks to start their World Test Championship cycle with a tough away series.