ENG vs IND: 'Passing number 3 legacy' - Fans react as Cheteshwar Pujara hands over Test cap to Sai Sudharsan

India's first debutant of the five-match series has been confirmed. Sai Sudharsan was handed over the Test cap by our very own legend Cheteshwar Pujara. It was a moment to cherish for the young 23-year-old youngster, who looks all set to make a debut for India in the Headingly Test. 

Sudharsan was presented the Test cap during the team huddle just moments before the toss. Pujara, who has been a cornerstone for the Indian team for so long batting at the number three position, handed over the cap to him, thus dispelling any doubts around who would go on to occupy that spot. 

With the debate around the no.3 position now settled, Sudharsan has the opportunity to leave an early mark and leverage the County experience to his advantage to make it big for India. 

See also: IND vs ENG, 1st Test: Probable playing XI, Head to Head and Headingley stadium stats

Here is the iconic moment

India's former No.3 Cheteshwar Pujara handing India's new No.3 Sai Sudharsan the Test cap. 🥹❤️ pic.twitter.com/cwi7N5aTmO

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 20, 2025

Sudharsan is now India's 317th capped player in the Test format. The 23-year-old was in peak form in the IPL 2025 season and will be looking to extend his stellar run coming into the longest format. With the toss out of the way, England have asked India to bat first on a green top. As India looks to bat first, there is a high probability that we may see him in action very shortly. 

As we gear up for a mouthwatering Test match, let's see how the twiterrati reacted after hearing Sai Sudharsan's Test debut news. 

Twitter reactions:

What a day for Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill gave him T20 cap at his international debut and now Sai is playing his first test under Gill who is also doing test captaincy for the first time, Special day for all Gujarat Titans fans too 💙 pic.twitter.com/DOvUwPoYib

— Aagneya (@Aagneyax) June 20, 2025

EXCITING NEWS: SAI SUDHARSAN (23) HANDED TEST DEBUT AT LEEDS.

Receives his test cap from Pujara & becomes India's 317th Test cricketer. Making his debut at Headingley, he will bat at #3, the toughest position in the format. Sai walks into Test cricket as a product of discipline,… pic.twitter.com/Tbjw7Vpzwt

— Mama (@SriniMaama16) June 20, 2025

SAI SUDHARSAN WITH HIS TEST DEBUT CAP OF INDIA. ❤️🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/BIENmX6CZA

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) June 20, 2025

What a day for Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill gave him T20 cap at his international debut and now Sai is playing his first test under Gill who is also doing test captaincy for the first time, Special day for all Gujarat Titans fans too 💙#ShubmanGill #INDvsENGTest #INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/BucZCXlglZ

— SHUBMAN GILL FAN (@BroAfghan27801) June 20, 2025

Besides a debut for Sudharsan, India have also found a place for Karun Nair, who comes back into his country's Test XI after eight long years. However, there is no sign of Arshdeep Singh, and he will have to wait it out till he gets a chance to leave his mark for India in the red-ball format.