Indian cricket is on the threshold of a new era with the retirements of two of its largest Test stars, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, before the five-match England tour in June 2025. The duo's departure from the longest format—Sharma after a horror series in Australia and Kohli after a decline in form—has left gargantuan shoes to fill. Fans such as myself are still coming to terms with the end of an era, but the BCCI is wasting no time in ushering in fresh talent for the challenging series.

Stepping into the limelight are the Gujarat Titans (GT) and Tamil Nadu batsman Sai Sudharsan, who reports indicate is going to make his Test debut in England. The 23-year-old left-hand batsman has been a breath of fresh air in IPL 2025, scoring 527 runs at 47.90, including a ton against CSK, making him one of the top run-scorers in the tournament. It looks like the selectors will likely turn to him for an opening slot or bat him at No. 3. Sudharsan's flair and consistency have seen him get a place in the Test team, a moment of great significance for the young star.

Sudharsan's record in first-class cricket also supports his selection, with 1,957 runs in 29 games at an average of 39.93, demonstrating he can endure the drudgery of red-ball cricket. He's no novice to international cricket either, as he has appeared in three ODIs in South Africa, averaging a whopping 63.50, and a T20I in Zimbabwe, although he didn't get the opportunity to bat. His domestic form and IPL exploits have clearly caught the selectors’ eye, and I’m thrilled to see how he fares against England’s pace attack.

A New Chapter for India in England

Sudharsan's selection is a step in the direction of youth as India looks to rebuild its Test batting order after Sharma and Kohli. His skill to anchor innings while playing attacking shots might prove crucial on England's swinging tracks, where he will encounter the services of James Anderson and Ollie Robinson.

Also Read: India’s Probable Squad for England Test Tour 2025

The England series, starting June 20 at Headingley, will test Sudharsan’s mettle, but his IPL form suggests he’s ready for the challenge. With two legends gone, it’s time for the next generation to shine—I’m rooting for Sudharsan to make a big impact on his Test debut!