India’s Test cricket landscape is on the cusp of change as selectors prepare to announce the squad for the upcoming five-match series against England. With the retirements of stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, fresh faces are set to step into the spotlight. Among the leading contenders are Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair, both of whom have earned their place through consistent domestic excellence and recent form.
Why Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair Are in the Spotlight
Sai Sudharsan: The Rising Star
- At just 23, Sai Sudharsan is enjoying a breakthrough year, currently holding the Orange Cap in IPL 2025.
- His calm temperament and solid technique have drawn praise from cricket experts, including England’s Jos Buttler.
- Sudharsan’s adaptability was on display in the domestic circuit, and he’s already been named in the India A squad for the England tour.
- While he’s unlikely to open (with KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal expected to do so), Sudharsan is a strong candidate for the No. 3 spot in the Test lineup.
Karun Nair: The Comeback King
- Karun Nair’s domestic season has been nothing short of spectacular: 863 runs in nine Ranji Trophy games (including four centuries) and 779 runs in eight Vijay Hazare Trophy innings (five centuries).
- He played a pivotal role in Vidarbha’s Ranji Trophy triumph and their runner-up finish in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
- After seven years away from the Test side, Nair’s prolific run-scoring has put him firmly back in contention for a recall.
India’s Test Squad: The New Look
With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli stepping away from red-ball cricket, the selectors are expected to retain the core from the Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad, with only a few changes. Shubman Gill is set to take over as captain, and the batting order could see significant reshuffling.
Likely Top Order for England Series:
- KL Rahul
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Sai Sudharsan or Karun Nair (No. 3)
- Shubman Gill (likely at No. 4)
The selectors are also considering other young talents like Sarfaraz Khan and Nitish Kumar Reddy, but Sudharsan and Nair’s recent performances give them the edge.
Domestic Dominance: The Numbers That Matter
Karun Nair’s 2024/25 Season Highlights
- Ranji Trophy: 863 runs, 4 centuries in 9 matches
- Vijay Hazare Trophy: 779 runs, 5 centuries in 8 matches
Sai Sudharsan’s Recent Achievements
- IPL 2025: Orange Cap holder, consistent match-winner
- Praised for technique and temperament by international stars
What This Means for Team India
The inclusion of Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair signals a new era for Indian Test cricket. Their selection would reward domestic consistency and inject fresh energy into a squad entering a transitional phase. With a challenging England tour ahead, India’s revamped batting lineup will be under the microscope, and these two batters could play pivotal roles in shaping the team’s fortunes.
FAQs: Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair in India’s Test Squad
1. Why are Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair being considered for the Test squad?
Both have delivered outstanding performances in domestic cricket, with Sudharsan excelling in the IPL and Nair dominating both the Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy.
2. What positions might they play in the Test lineup?
Sudharsan and Nair are both contenders for the No. 3 spot, with KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal likely to open and Shubman Gill shifting to No. 4.
3. When will the India Test squad for England be announced?
The squad is expected to be announced on May 24, ahead of the five-match series starting in June.
4. Has Karun Nair played Test cricket before?
Yes, Karun Nair has played for India in the past, including a memorable triple century, but is eyeing a comeback after seven years.
5. Is this Sai Sudharsan’s first Test call-up?
If selected, this will be Sudharsan’s maiden call-up to the Indian Test squad.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Indian Test Cricket
As India gears up for a challenging tour of England, the possible inclusion of Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair in the Test squad marks a significant shift towards youth and form-driven selection. Their domestic heroics have earned them a shot at the highest level, and fans will be eager to see how these talented batters perform on the grand stage. The future of India’s Test batting looks promising—and the England series could be the perfect platform for new stars to emerge.