Ravi Shastri Advocates for Sai Sudharsan Inclusion in England Tests

BENGALURU, India — Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors to consider young batter Sai Sudharsan for the upcoming Test series against England.

The series, set to begin on June 20 at Headingley, marks the start of the new World Test Championship cycle (2025-2027). India faces scrutiny after recent defeats, including a 0-3 loss to New Zealand at home and a 1-3 loss to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Tests.

Shastri highlighted Sudharsan’s impressive performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he is currently the second-highest run-scorer with 456 runs for the Gujarat Titans. “I see this young man, Sai Sudharsan, for all formats of the game,” Shastri said during an interview with The ICC Review.

He further noted, “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 also mentioned Shreyas Iyer, praising his recent white-ball performances but acknowledging the competition for a spot on the England tour. “He (Shreyas Iyer) can [make a comeback], but it’s again going to be a competition. White-ball, certain. Test cricket, we’ve got to see who the other players are around,” Shastri said.

On the bowling front, Shastri emphasized the need for a left-arm seamer in the squad. “I’ll be looking for a left-armer. I’ll be keeping an eye on which left-armer is in good form, and try and squeeze him in there as the sixth (bowling) option,” he added.

Shastri mentioned Arshdeep Singh, often labeled a “white-ball specialist,” as a potential candidate. “If he can bowl 15-20 overs for me, he might very well be in the mix because he’s got the mindset. He’s a thinking bowler and I need a left-armer,” he noted.

“You need a left-armer, go and find him, whoever it is and whoever is the best of the lot – pick them,” Shastri concluded. “It’s important to get that mix.”