The Indian cricket team is gearing up for a highly anticipated five-match Test series against England, set to commence on June 20, 2025. With Rohit Sharma expected to lead the side and Yashasvi Jaiswal as his opening partner, the selectors are meticulously crafting a squad to tackle the challenging English conditions. Among the names generating significant buzz is Sai Sudharsan, the 23-year-old Gujarat Titans opener, who is reportedly the frontrunner to serve as the backup opener for the series. Sudharsan’s meteoric rise in domestic and IPL cricket, combined with his adaptability and experience in English conditions, makes him a compelling choice for the role. This article delves into Sudharsan’s journey, his credentials, and why he is poised to make a mark on the international stage.
A Stellar IPL 2025 Campaign
Sai Sudharsan has been a revelation in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, showcasing a level of consistency that has turned heads. Playing for the Gujarat Titans, the left-handed opener has smashed five half-centuries, contributing significantly to his team’s strong position in the top four as the league stage nears its conclusion. With 504 runs in 10 matches, Sudharsan trails Virat Kohli by just one run in the race for the IPL 2025 Orange Cap, underscoring his ability to deliver under pressure. His remarkable record of recording single-digit scores only twice in 35 IPL innings highlights an extraordinary level of reliability, a trait highly valued in the high-stakes environment of Test cricket.
Sudharsan’s IPL performances have not only bolstered his reputation as a white-ball star but also drawn attention to his potential in the longer format. His ability to anchor innings while maintaining a healthy scoring rate has prompted former India head coach Ravi Shastri to advocate for his inclusion in the Test squad. Speaking on The ICC Review, Shastri praised Sudharsan’s all-format potential, noting, “I see this young man, Sai Sudharsan, for all formats of the game. He seems like a class player.” This endorsement from a cricketing stalwart underscores the faith in Sudharsan’s ability to transition his IPL form to the red-ball arena.
Red-Ball Credentials and English Experience
While Sudharsan’s IPL exploits have grabbed headlines, his red-ball credentials are equally impressive. With seven centuries in 29 first-class matches, the Tamil Nadu batsman has demonstrated a knack for big scores in the longer format. His performances for India A, particularly a century against Australia A in an unofficial Test, highlight his ability to thrive in challenging conditions. This experience is particularly relevant for the England tour, where the swinging Dukes ball and seaming pitches demand technical proficiency and mental resilience.
Sudharsan’s stint with Surrey in the County Championship in 2023 and 2024 further strengthens his case. Playing in English conditions, he gained invaluable experience against quality pace and spin attacks, honing his technique against the moving ball. This exposure sets him apart from other contenders, as familiarity with English pitches is a critical factor for success in Test cricket. His compact and efficient batting style, as noted by cricket analyst WV Raman, makes him well-suited to handle the rigors of Test cricket in England. Raman, in a recent blog, remarked that while Sudharsan’s front-foot play against fast bowlers could improve, his overall technique is “reasonably well organized,” a promising sign for a potential Test debutant.
The Backup Opener Role
With Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal firmly entrenched as India’s first-choice opening pair, the role of the backup opener is crucial. Rohit, despite a lean patch in the 2024-25 season with just 164 runs in 15 Test innings, remains a cornerstone of the team as captain and batsman. His leadership and experience, particularly in English conditions where he has previously excelled, make him indispensable. Jaiswal, on the other hand, has emerged as a prodigious talent, with his aggressive yet technically sound approach earning him a permanent spot at the top of the order. However, the demanding nature of a five-match Test series necessitates a reliable backup, and Sudharsan fits the bill perfectly.
The selectors’ decision to consider Sudharsan over other contenders like Abhimanyu Easwaran, who was overlooked in Australia, reflects a shift towards youth and form. Easwaran, despite being a consistent performer in domestic cricket, has not inspired the same confidence as Sudharsan, particularly in overseas conditions. Sudharsan’s versatility to bat in the middle order if needed adds another dimension to his candidacy, making him a flexible option for the team management.
Challenges and Opportunities
While Sudharsan’s inclusion in the squad seems likely, his path to a Test debut is not without challenges. Rohit Sharma’s recent struggles in Test cricket have sparked debates about his form, particularly after a disappointing tour of Australia. If Rohit fails to regain his touch, the pressure on the backup opener to step up could intensify. Sudharsan’s ability to seize such an opportunity will depend on his mental fortitude and adaptability to the Test arena, where patience and discipline are paramount.
Moreover, the competition for middle-order spots is fierce, with players like Karun Nair, Shreyas Iyer, and Rajat Patidar also in contention. Nair, with over 850 first-class runs in the recent Ranji Trophy season, and Iyer, known for his aggressive batting, pose significant challenges. However, Sudharsan’s ability to open and bat in the middle order gives him an edge, as does his recent form and experience in English conditions. The selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, are reportedly eyeing at least six players for two reserve middle-order slots, but Sudharsan’s dual role as a potential opener and middle-order batsman makes him a standout candidate.
The Road Ahead
As India prepares for the England series, the focus will be on building a squad capable of competing in the new World Test Championship cycle. The tour marks a fresh start after a mixed 2024-25 season, with India looking to reclaim their dominance in Test cricket. Sudharsan’s inclusion would signal the selectors’ intent to blend youth with experience, a strategy that has served India well in recent years. His disciplined approach, coupled with his hunger for runs, aligns with the team’s ethos of nurturing talent for the long haul.
Former Pakistan batter Basit Ali recently cautioned younger players like Rinku Singh and Yashasvi Jaiswal, stating, “Sudharsan will snatch your spot,” highlighting the southpaw’s potential to break into the Indian side. At just 23, Sudharsan has time on his side, and a successful stint in England could cement his place as a future all-format star. His passion for cricket, evident in his consistent performances, echoes Basit’s sentiment that “he has cricket written all over his face and eyes.”
Looking Forward
Sai Sudharsan’s journey from a promising domestic cricketer to a potential Test debutant is a testament to his talent and hard work. His IPL 2025 heroics, red-ball prowess, and experience in English conditions make him the ideal candidate to back up Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal in the upcoming England Test series. As India looks to conquer the challenges of English pitches, Sudharsan’s compact technique and calm demeanor could prove invaluable. Whether he gets a chance to debut or serves as a reserve, his inclusion in the squad is a step toward a bright future. With the cricketing world watching, Sai Sudharsan is ready to take on the mantle and make his mark on the global stage.
