It’s a general preference for most batters to find their shape and rhythm on the eve of a game, irrespective of the format. They love to find their hand-eye coordination, the balance, feel of the balls, and everything right before a game. That’s regularity among most batters, apart from Sai Sudharsan, who doesn’t prefer time at the nets on the match eve for a very secret but interesting reason.

Sudharsan made his India Test debut during the opening fixture of the five-match series at Leeds and failed miserably in both innings. The left-handed batter couldn’t do much in the fixture, getting a duck in the first innings and another scratchy 20 in the second innings.

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‘Today (July 22) at Old Trafford, Shuman Gill passed him at one point and half-jokingly asked Sai, Net? Sai just smiled, but Gill wasn’t surprised. He knows the core, and he also knows if anyone can rival him for time in the nets, it’s probably Sai. Here is the back story. Sai’s parents are both athletes. His preps are intense, of yoga, meditation, a clean diet, and hours in the nets.’ A reporter, named Kaushik, of Cricbuzz expressed.

Watch: Report discloses why Sai Sudharsan doesn’t prefer batting on match eve

The 23-year-old has smashed 30 runs in the only red-ball clash, besides adding 127 runs in three innings of the ODI format. In the 51 FC innings, the southpaw has clubbed 1987 runs at an average of around 40, shouldering five centuries and seven half-centuries at the best score of 213 runs.

Why didn’t Sai Sudharsan bat in the nets ahead of the 4th Test? 🤔@kaushik_cb shares the full story & insights, right here ⏬#ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/ZfXGex9MaG

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) July 22, 2025

‘Last year, before IPL games, he batted endlessly. But as GT’s coaches observed, with still eight overs to go, he would often be spent. They told him to scale back. It took him a year, but he made the switch. In 2025, he hit the nets hard two days before the match and batted to his heart’s content and not at all on match eve.’ The reports explained.

‘He was even given the option of staying back in the hotel. But he wanted to be around for the match-day build-up to boost spirits and spent time on the pitch. The result was 759 runs and an orange cap. Today was one of those. After spirits, he visualized even though the pitch was under covers.’ It was revealed.

As per growing reports, team India have proposed to make some radical changes to their lineup following the Headingly Test defeat. Although these reports are yet to be verified, experts foresee a plethora of changes as India look to get back to winning ways under the leadership of their newly-appointed Test skipper. The second Test will begin in a few hours' time from now at Edgbaston, Birmingham. India have reportedly never won a Test match at this venue, and these changes are put in place in a bid to put their losing streak to an end

See also: WTC 2027: ENG vs IND Dream11 Prediction 2nd Test match Fantasy Cricket Tips, Probable Playing XI

Here are some of the possible changes on the cards

According to reports from Express Sports, the Indian top-order batter Sai Sudharsan is likely going to be replaced by spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar. Sudharsan had a poor debut in the Headingly Test where he was dismissed for a duck in the first innings and could only manage 30 in the second innings.

🚨 TEAM INDIA UPDATES. 🚨

- Washington Sundar likely to replace Sai Sudharsan. Karun Nair to bat at No.3 in the 2nd Test. (Express Sports). pic.twitter.com/VtFMz3yjRU

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 2, 2025

Rumor also has it that there will be changes in the lower order too. Nitish Kumar Reddy is possibly going to come in place of Shardul Thakur. The young seam-bowling all-rounder endured a stellar run with the bat in the recent BGT tour and garnered headlines for exhibiting his fighting spirit in hostile conditions. In addition, Jaspirt Bumrah may also get relieved of his duties ahead of the second Test keeping his fitness and workload in mind. If that were to happen, Akash Deep will step in as his replacement. 

Furthermore, we could see more changes such as Karun Nair being promoted up the order at No.3. While Bumrah's participation for the second Test was always a topic of debate considering his demanding workload, it remains to be seen whether the management would be inclined to revamp the batting order as discussed above in this article.

Sai Sudharsan Likely to Miss Edgbaston Test After Shoulder Injury on Debut

Young Indian batter Sai Sudharsan, who made his Test debut at Headingley last week, might not play in the next match at Edgbaston after hurting his shoulder while fielding. According to a report by RevSportz, Sudharsan is not fully fit and may need more time to recover.

His debut didn’t go too well either. In the first innings, he got out for a duck after facing just four balls. In the second innings, he managed to score 30 runs and built a 66-run stand with KL Rahul before getting out again. Both times, he was dismissed by England captain Ben Stokes.

India ended up losing the first Test by five wickets, with England chasing down 371 runs on the final day. Sudharsan looked uncomfortable with his shoulder during the last day’s play and eventually left the field. Nitish Kumar Reddy came on as a substitute and took a sharp catch to remove Ben Duckett. Sudharsan didn’t return for the rest of the game.

BCCI's PR is so strong. They will drop sai Sudharshan stating "he's injured" just because they don't get hate for dropping a debutant just after 1 bad performance https://t.co/CBGPxu6Paq

— . (@chixxreturns) June 25, 2025

A report from RevSportz said, “Sai Sudharsan is not completely fit for the next match. He had some trouble with his shoulder while fielding on the last day.” Now, the Indian team has a few options if Sudharsan is ruled out. Karun Nair, a more experienced player, could be slotted into the No. 3 position. Another option could be bringing in Nitish Kumar Reddy or choosing to strengthen the bowling attack with an extra all-rounder or bowler.

ALSO READ: WCL 2025: Pakistan Champions announced their squad for upcoming season

In the Headingley Test, India gave Sudharsan his first cap while also bringing back Karun Nair and including Shardul Thakur. Before the match, captain Shubman Gill announced that Sudharsan would bat at No. 3 a spot once made famous by Cheteshwar Pujara.

Sudharsan came in at 91/1 in the first innings but was out quickly. In the second, he walked in at 16/1 and looked more settled before falling again to Stokes. The team management had liked Sudharsan’s calm and solid batting style, which helped him earn his place in the side.

However, with this injury and competition from others, he might miss not just the Edgbaston Test but possibly the Lord’s Test as well a dream stage for any young cricketer. For now, fans will hope for a quick recovery so he doesn’t miss out on such a big opportunity.

Relay catches are very common in T20 cricket. When a fielder near the boundary line takes a catch and starts going out of the field, he throws the ball inside. Sometimes, the same fielder comes back in and catches it again. But many times, another fielder standing nearby catches the ball. When another fielder catches the thrown ball, it is called a relay catch.

This type of catch is almost never seen in Test cricket. But on the third day of the first Test match between India and England, a rare relay catch was seen — something usually seen only in T20 matches.

Right after lunch, England’s wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith got out on the bowling of Prasidh Krishna. The way his catch was taken shocked everyone. Ravindra Jadeja and Sai Sudarshan together took the catch. Even though the International Cricket Council (ICC) has changed the rule about boundary catches, this one was accepted.

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How the Catch Happened

Just after lunch, fast bowler Prasidh Krishna bowled the 79th over. On the third ball of the over, Jamie Smith pulled a short ball outside the off stump. The ball went towards Ravindra Jadeja at deep square leg. Jadeja took a brilliant catch, but as he felt he might cross the boundary line, he threw the ball towards Sai Sudarshan, who was standing nearby. Sudarshan completed the catch safely. Smith scored 40 runs off 52 balls.

Some questions were raised about the catch, but the new ICC rule makes it valid. Jadeja had full control of the ball inside the boundary and released it before stepping out. Since Sudarshan caught it inside the field, the catch was given out.

Sai 🤝 Jadeja

Prasidh Kirshna ಅವರಿಂದ ಅದ್ಭುತ ಬೌಲಿಂಗ್ ಪ್ರದರ್ಶನ! 🔥

📲 ವೀಕ್ಷಿಸಿ | #ENGvIND | 1st Test | Day 3 | LIVE NOW | ನಿಮ್ಮ JioHotstar ನಲ್ಲಿ pic.twitter.com/a8uA2wKMqj

— Star Sports Kannada (@StarSportsKan) June 22, 2025

From June 17, the ICC introduced a new rule for boundary catches. As per the new rule, if a fielder jumps in the air and crosses the boundary, he can touch the ball only once. To complete the catch, he must return inside the boundary and then catch it again.

Earlier, a fielder could bounce or tap the ball multiple times in the air while outside the boundary, as long as he was not touching the ground. Also, if a player threw the ball back inside while airborne outside the boundary, the catch was valid only if that player re-entered the field before the second fielder caught it.

India missed many chances in the match. Even though Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Zak Crawley in the first over, the team dropped several important catches. Jadeja dropped Ben Duckett on 15 runs – a rare mistake – and other easy chances were missed. Duckett and Ollie Pope used those chances well and built a 122-run partnership, bringing England back into the match.

In a historic moment for Indian Test cricket, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul rewrote the history books on Day 1 of the first Test against England at Headingley as the first visiting opening pair to survive the first 20 overs at the venue since 2012. Headingley, renowned for its vicious swing in English conditions and being more seam-friendly than most grounds in England, is one of the hardest venues for visiting teams, especially during the first hour of play. 

The Indian openers showed excellent patience and application against an English bowling attack featuring James Anderson and Mark Wood. Jaiswal defended brilliantly whilst punishing any of Anderson’s loose deliveries with ease, and Rahul refused to succumb to the pressure by playing deft cuts and leaving the ball with a calmness that allowed him to withstand Anderson and Wood's onslaught of seam, swing, and pace. Their early resistance would cut off England's momentum and send a clear message from India that they have an intent to dig in and build a platform in overcast conditions that has seen visiting teams previously fall into the trap of early dismissal.

The last time visiting teams showed this level of dedication and intent at Headingley was during 2012, when South Africa's Graeme Smith and Alviro Petersen put on a decent stand. For India, not only did this opening partnership end a 13-year drought at Headingley, but it also showed their grit and preparation as they launched into their World Test Championship 2025–27 campaign.

For a first time SINCE 2012, a visiting pair has survived the first 20 overs of a Test at Headingley 🙌

FOLLOW LIVE ⏩ https://t.co/ShJazRewwb pic.twitter.com/lcdRII4z08

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) June 20, 2025

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India Lose Two Wickets Just Before Lunch While Good Start Was Changed

As India crossed the historic 20-over mark, they could not take all their wickets into lunch. After the first morning's play and at lunch on Day 1, India was 65/2, which is not a bad position considering the two quick wickets they lost after a good start. Yashasvi Jaiswal had a good batting order and remained somewhat composed with patience, making 42 off 74 balls on a tricky surface for batting.
However, both KL Rahul (42 off 78) and debutant Sai Sudharsan (0 off 4) fell to quick wickets five minutes before the break. Rahul opened the face, trying to guide one of the slips, and was caught behind. Sudharsan, who had immense pressure in his first innings, edged one and was caught by the wicketkeeper without scoring.
The morning session was partly a success and partly a failure, but India passing the first stage of the storm and vanquishing Headingley in their long-running curse is a significant outcome moving forward in the match.

As India walked onto the field for the first Test match of the WTC 2025-27 cycle against England on June 20, 2025, young batting sensation Sai Sudharsan earned his first Test cap—and, of course, this was not only special for Sudharsan but also for those close to him who saw this milestone coming. One of the first people to publicly congratulate him was star all-rounder Hardik Pandya. He also made Sudharsan's achievement extra special. Hardik shared an Instagram story post with Sudharsan's photo and captioned it with "Well deserved! Go well," which not only went viral but also resonated with fans as well as fellow cricketers. 

The relationship between Hardik Pandya and Sai Sudharsan is developing, especially with the time they spent together in the IPL. As a senior team member and former skipper, Hardik has mentored young talent, and Sudharsan is one of them. Pandya's congratulatory post shows not just camaraderie but personal joy in seeing a younger teammate reach such a milestone.

Instagram story of Hardik Pandya for Sai Sudharsan ❤️ pic.twitter.com/6JildyxlEN

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 20, 2025

Also read:  Former Australia skipper named as head coach for Australia A

A Historic Day in Indian Test Debuts

June 20 is not just a date in the history of Indian cricket; it is a date filled with the emergence of some of the most influential names. In 1996, Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid made their Test debuts at Lord’s, and both later had great careers, becoming legends of the game. Ganguly scored a century on debut, while Dravid scored a near century with a superb 95.

On June 20, 2011, Virat Kohli also made his debut, a player who led India to historic series wins and became one of the best modern-day batsmen. Along with him, Abhinav Mukund and Praveen Kumar started their Test careers.

Fast-forward to 2023, and Sai Sudharsan will continue that legacy. He will wear Test cap No. 317 and take on that legacy. He has a calm yet confident demeanor, and the way he has performed in domestic cricket demonstrates he is up to the challenge. There certainly is a lot of history with June 20 in Indian cricket! Good luck, Sai!

Sai Sudharsan congratulated Virat Kohli for winning the IPL 2025 trophy, the maiden title of his Indian Premier League career. The Gujarat Titans opener claimed that he had lots of conversations with the Indian batting legend in the past. 

Sudharsan started his new chapter in his cricketing career. He has experienced a dream run with Gujarat Titans in the recently concluded IPL season. The 23-year-old batter, who won the Orange Cap in this year's IPL, bagged 759 runs in 15 games and received a call from BCCI to join the Test setup for the England tour, where India will face the host nation for the five-match Test series. The southpaw has a brief experience with the national team, but only in the limited overs format. 

Sudharsan has only played three ODIs and one T20I so far for India and has an impressive track record in the domestic cricket circuit. The left-handed batter has claimed a total of 1957 runs in 29 games with seven centuries and five half-centuries for Tamil Nadu, with a batting average of around 40. 

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The young batter congratulated Virat Kohli for his recent success with Royal Challengers Bengaluru after an 18-year-long waiting period. Sudharsan praised the mentality Kohli possessed. 

I congratulated him after the final: Sai Sudharsan 

"I congratulated him after the final, as it was a really special moment for him. But we’ve had many conversations over the years. What I’ve always admired about him is his mentality and the dedication he has for the game. We’ve talked about how he handled the situation when he wasn’t scoring runs," the orange cap holder of IPL 2025 said this about the iconic batter. 

Along with Sai Sudharsan, Team India is set to start a new chapter in Test cricket with newly appointed captain Shubman Gill. After the retirement of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, BCCI officials elected Gill, the Gujarat Titans skipper, to lead Team India for the England test series. 

After the end of IPL, Team India now has a litmus test in England. Sai Sudarshan may get a chance to debut in the Test series between India and England. Sai had performed brilliantly in IPL and he was also the highest run-scorer in the 18th season. He scored 759 runs in 15 matches. Sai Sudarshan has been selected in the team for the upcoming series against England. However, there has been no confirmation from the coach or captain regarding his batting order, but former Australian captain Michael Clarke has given a big statement regarding his batting order.

As Virat Kohli retires from the red-ball Format, India now faces the tough challenge of filling the important No. 4 spot in the batting order. Shubman Gill, who was playing at No. 3 in recent years, is now the top choice to take over Kohli’s role at No. 4. If Gill moves down the order, India will need a solid player to handle the No. 3 position.

Former Australian captain Michael Clarke has suggested that India should give Sai Sudharsan a chance at No. 3. Clarke said he has full confidence in the young left-hander and believes he will get his opportunity during the England tour.

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Team India's Test captain Shubman Gill may bat at number four in the upcoming series — a position earlier held by Virat Kohli. After Kohli’s departure, this spot is now vacant. Speaking on the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast, former Australian captain Michael Clarke said, "For me, this kid is a superstar — Sai Sudharsan. I think he is perfect for the number three spot in Test cricket. In my opinion, he will open the innings for India in T20 and ODI in the future. He is part of the Test squad and has got his first chance in England."

Sai Sudharsan performed brilliantly in IPL 2025. He scored 759 runs in 15 matches at an average of 54.21, including one century and six half-centuries for Gujarat Titans. Gujarat finished fourth in the playoffs.

Clarke added, "I think he can directly bat at number three in the team. Technically, he is very strong. He has all the shots and is mentally ready. He really impressed me, and he’s a stylish player too."