Sai Sudharsan was not selected for Indian Test squad on his IPL form: Ajit Agarkar

Published - 24 May 2025, 20:33 IST | Updated - 24 May 2025, 20:49 IST

Young B Sai Sudharsan's quick rise to prominence in the Indian cricket set-up has been commendable. The 23-year-old, who has already donned the Indian jersey in ODIs and T20Is, received his maiden Test call-up as the All India Men's Senior Selection Committee announced the squad for the upcoming five-match series against England on Saturday.

While the left-handed batter is currently in sublime form in IPL 2025, chief selector Ajit Agarkar clarified that Sudharsan’s inclusion was based on consistent performance across formats and conditions, not just his IPL heroics. India’s Test team are currently in a transitional phase following the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

With their respective exits, doors have opened for several young talents. With Shubman Gill being appointed as the new red-ball captain, Sudharsan is being groomed to become a part of the team’s next generation. His performances in domestic cricket, India 'A' matches, and a county stint with Surrey made him a strong choice for a Test spot. Agarkar, after the squad announcement, mentioned that the selection committee has been tracking Sudharsan’s development for a while.

“When England Lions came, he did well. We have not picked him because of the IPL. He has shown the right way and seems to have the game to succeed at the top level. We have been looking at him for a while, but there has never been any place in the team," Agarkar said at the press conference.

India squad for England tour announced, Gill named captain

The Tamil Nadu batter hammered 304 runs in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy for his state. Additionally, his two county stints with Surrey in England saw him get familiar with the conditions, and he scored 281 runs across eight innings for Surrey, including a century. His IPL 2025 season has also been solid. As the leading run-scorer for Gujarat Titans with 638 runs, the Southpaw has been the backbone of GT's batting unit, who have already made it to the Playoffs.

"It obviously feels great. Feels very special to be honest, and surreal also. Any cricketer, any young cricketer who starts playing cricket, wants to play Test cricket, wants to play for the country. The ultimate goal is always to play Test cricket. So really happy for that," he said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.