Sai Sudharsan Reacts to Maiden India Test Call-Up: “It Feels….”

Following the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Sudharsan is set to play a key role in India’s new-look top order during the England Test series.

May 25, 2025: Sai Sudharsan has called his maiden Test call-up for India’s tour of England “surreal” and a dream come true. The 23-year-old Tamil Nadu batter was named in India’s squad for the five-match Test series, marking a significant milestone in his cricketing journey.

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“It obviously feels great. Feels very special to be honest, and surreal also. Any young cricketer who starts playing cricket wants to play Test cricket for the country,” Sudharsan told ESPNcricinfo. “The ultimate goal is always to play Test cricket, so I’m really happy for that.”

Sudharsan’s opportunity comes after the retirement of stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, and he is expected to play a prominent role in India’s restructured top four. Though he usually opens the innings for Tamil Nadu in domestic cricket, Sudharsan expressed his readiness to adapt and bat wherever the team needs him.

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“Playing for the country is a very big privilege. I don’t think I am in a position to choose where I want to play,” he said. “Wherever the coaches ask me to play, I will be mentally and skillfully ready for the opportunity.”

The left-hander’s Test debut could come under the leadership of Shubman Gill, his IPL captain at Gujarat Titans and now India’s newly appointed red-ball skipper. Sudharsan praised Gill’s talent and leadership qualities, saying he’s excited to play under his captaincy.

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“I have seen Shubhi (Shubman Gill) grow over the last four years. He’s such a talented and skillful batsman,” Sudharsan said. “I feel he will achieve great things for the country, and I am grateful and happy to play under him in my first Test series.”

The Test series against England begins on June 20, but both Sudharsan and Gill will first join the India A squad for a four-day match against the England Lions starting June 6 in Northampton.

For now, Sudharsan’s immediate focus is on the IPL, where Gujarat Titans have secured a place in the playoffs. However, he acknowledged the unique challenge of switching from T20 cricket to the patience-testing format of Test matches.

“Transitioning from white-ball to red-ball cricket takes time,” he explained. “I focus a lot more on my basics and patience, both on and off the field. Test cricket is all about patience and longevity, and I feel the more I work on that, the better I’ll be prepared for the challenge.”

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Sai Sudharsan, India Test Squad, India vs England 2025, IPL 2025, Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma Retirement, Virat Kohli Retirement, Cricket News, Test Cricket, Indian Cricket Team, England Tour 2025