In-Form IPL Talent Should Play England Tests, Says Shastri

Former head coach Ravi Shastri wants Sai Sudharshan to feature in the upcoming five-match series against England later this year. India will begin their series against England with the Headingley test on June 20.

The Indian Cricket Team will kick off their next WTC cycle with the series against England after the dreadful defeat to New Zealand at home and Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Sudharshan’s Performance in IPL 2025

Sai Sudarhsan’s performance this year in the IPL has been phenomenal. He currently holds the second position for the most runs with 456 runs in 9 matches, including 5 half-centuries.

Shastri believes that Sai Sudharshan could be an all-format batter for India who deserves a place in the squad against England this year. He says that Sudharshan is an exceptional left-hand batsman who will do well in the English conditions.

Shastri’s Choice For the England Tour

“I see this young man, Sai Sudharsan, for all formats of the game,” Shastri told The ICC Review. “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 said.

Shastri stated that Shreyas Iyer could also be selected for the England tour for his excellent run with the white-ball, but could face some serious competition. “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 end, Shastri believes that with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami back in the mix, the team still needs a left-arm seamer. “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,” said the former India captain.

“It could be anyone. It could even be a white-ball specialist. I don’t like this thing when they say someone like Arshdeep Singh is a ‘white-ball specialist’.” Shastri said Arshdeep, who has been a permanent member of the India T20I side, has the qualities to excel in red-ball cricket.

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