“He Will Be Top of My List”: Ravi Shastri Wants Sai Sudharsan in India’s Test Squad for England Tour

May 2, 2025: Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has voiced strong support for the inclusion of young left-hander Sai Sudharsan in India’s squad for the upcoming five-Test series in England. Speaking on The ICC Review with host Sanjana Ganesan, Shastri highlighted Sudharsan’s technique, recent form, and experience in English conditions as key factors behind his recommendation.

“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 will be top of the list for me from the outsiders wanting to get into this side,” Shastri said.

India’s red-ball team is set for a transition following a disappointing 3-1 series loss in Australia earlier this year, which ended their hopes of qualifying for the ICC World Test Championship Final. With the need for fresh faces becoming increasingly apparent, Sudharsan has emerged as a top contender.

The 23-year-old has been in stellar form in IPL 2025, scoring 456 runs in nine matches at an average of 50.66 and a strike rate of 150. Though primarily known for his white-ball prowess — including three ODIs where he scored 127 runs with two fifties — Sudharsan’s first-class record also supports his case. He has accumulated 1,957 runs in 29 matches at an average of 39.93, including a double-century in the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy.

Moreover, his County Championship stints with Surrey in 2023 and 2024 have equipped him with invaluable experience in English conditions. In five matches, he scored 281 runs, including a century and a fifty.

Shastri sees Sudharsan as a future all-format asset for India. “I see this young man, Sai Sudharsan, for all formats of the game,” he concluded.

As India prepares for a demanding tour of England, the selection of Sudharsan could mark the beginning of a new chapter in the team’s red-ball journey.