Should Shastri Advocate for Sudharsan's Spot in India's England Test Squad?

New Delhi, May 2 (NationPress) The former head coach of India, Ravi Shastri, has advocated for the inclusion of Gujarat Titans opener Sai Sudharsan in India’s squad for the forthcoming five-match Test series in England. This call comes in light of the impressive performance from the 23-year-old in the ongoing IPL 2025.

Sudharsan has amassed over 456 runs in nine matches during IPL 2025, making him a strong candidate for the orange cap, as he trails the current leader, Suryakumar Yadav of Mumbai Indians, who has scored 475 runs in 11 games. The left-handed batsman has notched up five half-centuries, playing a crucial role in keeping the Titans in the top four as the league stage approaches its conclusion.

On a recent episode of The ICC Review, Shastri expressed his support for Sudharsan, who has appeared in three ODIs for India but is yet to debut in Test cricket, referring to him as a promising all-format player for the nation.

“I see this young man, Sai Sudharsan, as a player for all formats of the game. He exhibits the characteristics of a class player, and I will certainly keep my eyes on him,” Shastri remarked.

Sudharsan’s experience in English conditions adds to his qualifications, having played for Surrey in the County Championship during 2023 and 2024. In five matches, he scored 281 runs, including a century and a fifty.

Over his career in 29 first-class matches, he has accumulated 1957 runs at an average of 39.93, featuring a maiden double-century during the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season while representing Tamil Nadu against Delhi in October 2024.

“Being a left-hander in England, understanding the conditions, and his technique all contribute to him being at the top of my list of players who could break into the squad,” Shastri added.

Shastri also emphasized the need for a left-arm pacer in the team to adapt to the seam-friendly English conditions, pointing to Arshdeep Singh as a viable option.

“I’m on the lookout for a left-armer. I will monitor which left-armer is performing well and attempt to include him as the sixth bowling option. This could include a specialist in white-ball cricket, as I don’t subscribe to the notion that players like Arshdeep Singh are only white-ball specialists,” he stated.

“I will be closely observing his red-ball statistics and the number of overs he bowls. If he can deliver 15-20 overs, he might very well be in contention because he possesses the right mindset. He is a strategic bowler, and I need a left-armer,” he concluded.

Arshdeep has shown potential in red-ball cricket, taking 66 wickets in 21 first-class matches. His recent performance was with Kent in the 2024 County Championship, where he claimed 13 wickets in five matches, gaining essential experience in English conditions.

“A left-armer is essential; find the best one available and select them. Khaleel Ahmed is another option, as he is currently in good rhythm and bowling effectively. It’s crucial to ensure we have a good mix,” Shastri commented.

Khaleel has taken 52 wickets in 19 first-class matches and has been observed by the selectors. He was part of the squad during the Australia tour, initially with India A and later as a travel reserve for the Border-Gavaskar series, though an injury shortened his time.

“It’s essential to have a left-armer; go out and recruit the best available player. Khaleel Ahmed has been consistent and is bowling well, so it’s vital to establish that mix,” Shastri reiterated.

Both Arshdeep and Khaleel have previously been part of India’s limited-overs squads but have yet to make their Test debuts.

Additionally, Shastri discussed the potential return of Shreyas Iyer to the Test squad, particularly following his recent inclusion in India’s central contract list.

“He (Shreyas Iyer) could return, but it will be a competitive environment. In white-ball formats, he is certain; however, we need to assess the other players around him for Test cricket,” Shastri observed.

India is set to face England in a five-Test series – the opening match of the upcoming cycle of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 – with the first Test scheduled to commence on June 20 at Edgbaston, Birmingham.