'Sai Sudharsan is Mr. Cricket in the making' - Zaheer Khan backs youngster to shine in Test format

Published - 01 Jun 2025, 23:41 IST | Updated - 01 Jun 2025, 23:50 IST

Former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan has praised Gujarat Titans (GT) opener Sai Sudharsan while predicting a bright future for the youngster in Test cricket. The left-handed batter has been in sublime form throughout the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, scoring 759 runs in 15 matches and currently holding the Orange Cap.

Sudharsan’s stellar IPL campaign and also combined with his consistent performances in the domestic arena, earned him a well-deserved call-up to India’s Test squad for the upcoming five-match series against England. The former India left-arm pacer recognised his dedication and called him as, ‘Mr. Cricket in the making’.

“Whatever I've heard right throughout the season, he [Sai Sudharsan] is Mr. Cricket in making. Yeah. So he'll look at the pitch, he'll look at the finer things, he'll build his innings, you know, he'll build his game, he'll practice for hours in the nets. That's the kind of approach he has towards the game. So surely whites is something which he'll enjoy playing,” said Zaheer as quoted by Cricbuzz.

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Indian veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli recently retired from the Test cricket earlier in May, and a few key spots have opened up in the Indian line-up. This provided an opportunity for young talents like Sudharsan to book their place in the squad.

The Indian Test team will be led by Shubman Gill, who was recently appointed as the new Test captain. The 25-year-old will guide a young squad on the challenging tour of the United Kingdom. Dynamic batter Karun Nair, who has also earned a spot in the squad after an impressive domestic performance. Nair also scored a double century for India A in the ongoing clash against the England Lions, and auditioned strongly for a potential place in the Playing XI.

The series against England begins June 20 with the first Test at the Headingley in Leeds, but Sudharsan will be joining a little early to feature in remaining tour games with India A.