Did Gautam Gambhir Try to Block Sai Sudharsan’s Test Debut?
Sai Sudharsan earned his maiden India Test call-up for the England 2025 tour, despite coach Gautam Gambhir’s initial opposition. Test captain Shubman Gill backed the 23-year-old, who scored 679 runs in IPL 2025 at an average of 52.23. Sudharsan, with 1957 first-class runs and English county experience, may feature in India’s new top order.
For the upcoming England Test series beginning June 20, 2025, Gujarat Titans opener Sai Sudharsan has earned his maiden Test call-up amid internal debates. According to CricBlogger, newly appointed India Test captain Shubman Gill had to persuade head coach Gautam Gambhir for over 30 minutes to secure Sudharsan’s inclusion, despite Gambhir’s initial opposition. The 18-member squad, announced by chief selector Ajit Agarkar in Mumbai, includes returns for Karun Nair and Shardul Thakur, with Arshdeep Singh also cut.
Sudharsan, 23, was a standout in IPL 2025, scoring 679 runs in 14 matches at an average of 52.23 and a strike rate of 155.37, including a century and five fifties. He brings experience in English conditions, having represented Surrey in the County Championship during 2023 and 2024. His first-class record stands at 1,957 runs in 29 matches at an average just under 40, with seven centuries and five fifties.
With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retiring from Test cricket, Sudharsan is poised to feature prominently in India’s revamped batting lineup. Before the England series, he will play a four-day match for India A against England Lions from June 6 in Northampton, marking the start of India’s 2025–27 World Test Championship journey.
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