Shastri Advocates for Sai Sudharsan’s Inclusion Across All Formats for India

Ravi Shastri, the former Indian cricketer and well-known commentator, has suggested that selectors consider some unexpected choices for India’s squad for the forthcoming five-match Test series against England, commencing in June.

This series represents India’s initial Test engagement following their 3-1 defeat to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy earlier this year.

During a recent episode of The ICC Review, Shastri pointed out young batter Sai Sudharsan as a prospective all-format player for India.

“I envision this young talent, Sai Sudharsan, excelling in all game formats,” Ravi Shastri commented. “He strikes me as a classy player, and I would certainly keep a close watch on him.”

The left-handed batsman, yet to debut in Test matches for India, has built significant experience representing Surrey in the County Championship during the 2023 and 2024 seasons.

Shastri emphasized the value of Sudharsan’s exposure to conditions in England, which he feels provides the young player with a considerable advantage.

“Being a left-hander in England, understanding the local conditions, and considering his technique and playing style, I believe he would be at the top of my list of outsiders aiming to join this team,” he stated.

The former head coach also supported the addition of a left-arm fast bowler to the squad, especially given England’s favorable seam conditions.

“I would be on the lookout for a left-armer. I would closely monitor which left-arm bowler is performing well, and attempt to include him as the sixth bowling option.”

Shastri dismissed the idea of restricting bowlers like Arshdeep Singh to white-ball formats, urging selectors to take into account his red-ball capabilities.

“It could be anyone. It could even be a specialist in white-ball cricket. I disagree with labeling someone like Arshdeep Singh a ‘white-ball specialist’,” Ravi mentioned.

“I will also carefully examine his red-ball performance record and the number of overs he delivers. If he can bowl 15-20 overs for me, he might very well be considered because he possesses the right mindset. He is an intelligent bowler, and I need a left-armer; it’s as simple as that,” he concluded.

The highly anticipated five-match Test series is scheduled to commence on June 20 at Headingley in Leeds, with the remaining matches set to take place at Edgbaston, Lord’s, Old Trafford, and The Oval.

The series will also signify the commencement of the 2025–2027 ICC World Test Championship cycle.