Former India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta suggested a couple of changes in India's XI for the upcoming Test against England in Edgbaston, set to start on July 2. Deep tried to explore the right combination in the line-up on the basis of the performances in the previous match, where England snatched a win in Headingley, chasing a 371-run target.

India, under Shubman Gill's leadership, had the golden chance to outclass the host nation. But, for multiple drawbacks, Gill and the boys could not make the best of the chances they got. Shardul Thakur became one of the critical points behind the loss; multiple cricket experts were mercilessly against the pace-bowling all-rounder. Dasgupta also opted to put out Thakur from his favorite playing XI for the 2nd to successfully cross the second hurdle. The cricket expert and commentator preferred Kuldeep Yadav over Shardul Thakur. Usually, batters get more elements in Edgbaston than any other field in England. So, Yadav can add more value in the spin bowling department along with Ravindra Jadeja. 

"Looking forward to Birmingham, which is usually a batting-friendly venue, I would love to see Kuldeep there. The advantage of having a top five amongst runs is that you are not too worried about contribution from your No. 8 with the bat," Deep said.

Read More: Out of self realisation Rishabh Pant uninstalled WhatsApp and switched off phone

Deep Dasgupta did not pick Sai Sudharsan 

Another change Deep suggested was more shocking. He would like to see Karun Nair at Number 3 over Sai Sudharsan. Sudharshan batted in that position in the previous game, and Nair, deep in the middle order. To solidify their combination and increase the depth of the batting order, Deep put Nair at 3 and Nitish Kumar Reddy at number 6. 

"Karun Nair has gotten most of his runs at No. 3. Also, he batted for India A against the England Lions at No. 3... That opens up a space for someone like Nitish at No. 6, who, if required, can give you a few overs of seam," the former cricketer said. 

When most of the talking is about whether Jasprit Bumrah will play in the next game or not, the Indian team management is slowly but surely preparing the team in the nets. In Headingley, India's top-order batter performed well enough in both innings. But there are always some gaps to make some improvements.

For example, Sai Sudharsan. The Chennai-born batter got his chance to shine for the Men in Blue Brigade after a successful 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) season. Through the league, he showed his brilliant techniques against some of the established bowlers of the cricket world. Sudharshan at number 3, in the first of the ongoing 5-match Test series, was not a surprising decision by the Indian team management. Now, Sudharshan needs to show his mettle as he gets the best stage to launch his international career.

In Leeds, the top-order batsman underperformed. India faced a reality check when England chased down 371 to win the series opener. After the defeat, multiple cricket experts suggested the team make some changes in the playing combination. Sai Sudharsan in the first innings returned to the pavilion without scoring a single run, and in the following innings, the 23-year-old scored 30. Should India drop him from the upcoming Edgbaston Test?

Read More: Another T20 league set to launch in India: Report

Will Sai Sudharsan play in the 2nd Test match?

Saturday's practice session suggested a different scenario. It was an optional practice day for the players. As per reports, Captain Shubman Gill, Vice-Captain Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Yashasvi Jaiswal skipped the practice. Sudharshan was at the nets, and according to media claims, he was the first batter in the nets.

So, it is now speculated that Team India is perhaps not thinking of dropping Sudharshan from the playing XI. He can continue at number 3. 

After wrapping up England's first innings, India started their second innings under overcast conditions, but the beginning was not promising. Yashasvi Jaiswal lost his wicket early on against Brydon Carse, scoring only 4. The pressure was mounting in a hurry as India had to deal with disciplined bowling from England's fast bowlers.

Debutant Sai Sudharsan, however, stepped up with calm composure, anchoring the innings alongside KL Rahul. Playing beautifully under pressure, he made a solid 30 from 48 balls, including four classy boundaries. His innings provided stability and hope as India tried to recover from early nerves.

After being dismissed for a duck on his debut innings, Sudharsan’s preparation before stepping into the second innings grabbed attention. A video shared by Sony Sports Network on X (formerly known as Twitter), the Indian batter was seen practicing focus, holding a red ball in his hand. Sudharsan took preparation one step further, silently imagining moments in a match before subsequently making notes. Ahead of facing the first ball of the second innings, the youngster’s unique preparation turned heads as the fans praised his passion.

Sudharsan’s Debut: Calm Composure and a Brief Impact

For Sai Sudharsan, the debut was more than runs; it was character. Having made a disappointing duck in the first innings, he demonstrated great resilience in the second, building a 66-run partnership with Rahul. Although he was given a lifeline when Duckett dropped him on 24, Ben Stokes finally ended his innings.

Watch the video here

Sai Sudharsan visualised today before coming to bat. 👏pic.twitter.com/nkaJSfqehD

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 22, 2025

See Also: ENG vs IND, 1st Test Day 3: Major highlights and key performances

Sudharsan left at 30, India leaving at 82/2 with a 96-run lead. His brief but influential innings previewed what he could achieve on the biggest stage. As captain Shubman Gill took his place alongside Rahul, India sought to go on the offensive, Sudharsan's unflappable presence having provided a solid base for the middle order to build on.

Over several generations, County Cricket has served as an ideal learning platform for youngsters and highly experienced pros to revamp their skills and core strengths in versatile playing conditions. It gives the cricketers an opportunity to learn from one another while being away from the international scene. Players, irrespective of their national identity, are put to the test and are required to adapt to different pitches and weather conditions, thus enhancing their overall cricketing experience and potentially boosting their chances of selection for national or franchise teams.

The influence of Indian cricketers in the County setup simply can't be overlooked. In the past, legendary cricketers such as Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, and Rahul Dravid have established themselves in County Cricket long before the current generation of Indian cricketers came into existence. 

As of present times, the onus is on the younger generation of Indian cricketers to take the game forward. And quite rightfully so, a handful number of Indian cricketers have enrolled for the ongoing County Season in a bid to keep themselves battle-ready for the crunch games. Here are five known Indian cricketers who are going to feature in the County Season 2025.

See also: County Championship 2025: Live Streaming Details & Where to watch

Confirmed Signings for the 2025 County Season

Ishan Kishan (Nottinghamshire)
India's wicketkeeper-batter has signed a short-term deal with Nottinghamshire for the 2025 County Championship, stepping in while Kyle Verreynne is on international duty.  His appointment was officially announced on June 20. Kishan will endure a two-match stint for Notts and will be available for selection in their matches against Yorkshire and Somerset.

Tilak Varma (Hampshire)
The young left-hander from Hyderabad has signed a four‑match stint deal for Hampshire from June 22 to August 1. He is set to make his County debut against Essex at Chelmsford from June 22‑25. The rationale behind opting for County cricket was to develop his temperament for playing red-ball cricket.  

Ruturaj Gaikwad (Yorkshire)
Chennai Super Kings’ captain Ruturaj Gaikwad will join Yorkshire until the end of the season, featuring in both the County Championship and One-Day Cup. He will join the squad ahead of the County Championship fixture against Surrey that is expected to take place on July 22 at Scarborough. Gaikwad's contract will stay valid throughout the 2025 season and will be expected to play five County Championship matches and the Metro Bank One-Day Cup starting in early August.

Shardul Thakur (Essex)
Indian seam-bowling all‑rounder Shardul Thakur has signed a seven‑match deal with Essex for the 2025 County Championship, marking his debut in English first‑class cricket. His appointment was confirmed on February 18, and the director of Essex Cricket expressed delight when the news of his deal broke out. Due to his involvement with the national side in the ongoing England series, Shardul's participation in the County cricket seems slightly uncertain at this stage. However, Shardul has reiterated his commitment to County Cricket in his prior discussions and seems highly determined to leave his mark behind. 

Yuzvendra Chahal (Northamptonshire)
The leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal returns to play for Northamptonshire in both the County Championship and the One-Day Cup. He has joined the squad after the conclusion of the IPL and is all set to play his first fixture against Middlesex on June 22.  Chahal has been an experienced campaigner in County cricket and has impressed quite a few observers with his past performances. Last season, Chahal played four Championship matches, taking 19 wickets at an impressive average of 21.0 across games and also starred in the One-Day Cup, claiming a 5-wicket haul on debut against Kent. 

Sai Sudharsan played for Surrey in 2023–24, but following a Test call-up in the ongoing England tour, there’s no confirmation from his side for the 2025 season. Players have taken a step in the right direction by making themselves available for the Country season. While away from their international duties, these players can get used to foreign conditions and get acquainted with several accomplished players in England's domestic circuit. It serves as an opportunity for them to enhance their skill and game plan under varying conditions. 

When all things were looking good for Team India, then back-to-back wickets fell, just before the launch. First KL Rahul and then the debutant Sai Sudharsan, within a few minutes, England struck twice. The celebration from the skipper, Ben Stokes, was enough to describe how important those two wickets are for them.

From the initial one and a half hours, India was looking at a commanding position. Rahul hit eight 4s during his 42-run innings, including some sublime cover drives. The shot looked strongest for the batter and turned out to be a dismissal.

Brydon Carse, in the 5th delivery of the 25th over, offered a luring delivery to the right-handed batter to execute another cover drive. This time the opener misjudged the line and ended in a catch-out.

Read More: First Since 2012: Indian openers survive opening storm at Headingley

Sai Sudharsan's wicket was the result, straight out of the blueprint, and a poor decision from the young batsman. The ball was away from the on stump, creating distance from the batter's body. Sudharsan went for a push and was caught behind the stumps. 

In his debut Test match, Sai Sudharsan went back to the hut without scoring any runs after facing four deliveries. Back-to-back departures created an ample amount of reaction on the internet. People have shared their thoughts through different posts; some of those are literally hilarious. 

Ben Stokes getting a wicket with the most innocuous delivery !!

#INDvsENG #INDvENG #INDvsENGTest #ENGvIND #ENGvsIND pic.twitter.com/kLBlRXDvUo

— Cricketism (@MidnightMusinng) June 20, 2025

All format player all rounder ki ball nhi khel paya 😭😭

#INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/eVJ3rT4Qnz

— Nitin. (@nittu_poonia) June 20, 2025

Cheteshwar Pujara meeting Gautam Gambhir after Sai's performance 💔#INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/TeJI0KWnUV

— Bruce Wayne (@_Bruce__007) June 20, 2025

When India had a great opening partnership but it's of 91 runs pic.twitter.com/SA6ium0lJa

— Div🦁 (@div_yumm) June 20, 2025

India is already ready to begin their five-match Test series against England at Headingley, Leeds, with several key changes and bold inclusions in their playing XI. Young left-handed batsman Sai Sudharsan will make his Test debut, opening at the pivotal No. 3 spot. The move signals India’s intent to invest in youth while maintaining a balance of experience in their lineup.

The opening duo will be KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who were impressive during the Australia tour but now have to deal with a new challenge in English conditions. Though Rahul can provide stability at the top, Jaiswal has to shake off recent inconsistencies, particularly after struggling against the England Lions and being unable to convert starts in Australia. The management will expect the two to give good starts to share the burden of a relatively inexperienced middle order.

After the openers, Sai Sudharsan occupies the crucial No. 3 position, providing a left-hander early in the innings. He is followed by skipper Shubman Gill, wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant, and Karun Nair, who takes the No. 6 slot. India's all-round unit consists of Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Shardul Thakur, the former returning to the team as a seam-bowling all-rounder.

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

The bowling attack is spearheaded by paceman Jasprit Bumrah, while Mohammed Siraj rejoins the Test configuration. Prasidh Krishna has been picked as the third seamer, completing India's pace-bowling-friendly approach in light of seaming English pitches. The combination suggests that India is expected to field only one spinner in Jadeja for the initial Test.

India Playing XI vs England – 1st Test, Headingley:

Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill (c), B Sai Sudharsan, Rishabh Pant (wk), Karun Nair, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Prasidh Krishna, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.

🚨 INDIAN PLAYING 11 UPDATE 🚨 [Espn Cricinfo]

- Sai Sudharsan to Debut.
- Karun Nair to Bat at 6.
- Shardul Thakur as all rounder.
- Prasidh Krishna as third seamer. pic.twitter.com/FnMYTXat5X

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 20, 2025

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.

As the highly anticipated Test series between India and England draws near, senior Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane has shared his predicted playing XI for the opening match starting Friday. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Rahane surprised many by including young players Arshdeep Singh and Sai Sudharsan in his lineup. The selection reflects a blend of youth and form, with Rahane opting for performers who impressed in warm-up matches and domestic cricket.

Notably, Rahane left out experienced names such as Karun Nair and pacer Prasidh Krishna. Instead, he chose wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel as a middle-order option and backed Shardul Thakur for his all-round contributions, particularly after a strong showing in the intra-squad warm-up game. At the top, Rahane placed his confidence in Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul as openers, while debutant Sai Sudharsan was given the critical No. 3 slot.

Skipper Shubman Gill, Dhruv Jurel, and Rishabh Pant form the backbone of the middle order, adding depth and flexibility. Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur provide dual skills as all-rounders, while the pace department features three fast bowlers—Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, and Arshdeep Singh—forming a well-rounded attack.

Gill on bowling strength and India's selection strategy

Ahead of the series opener, Indian captain Shubman Gill emphasized the importance of bowling in red-ball cricket, underlining that taking 20 wickets is the key to winning a Test. “Yes, definitely in Test matches, if you want to win a Test match, you can't win a Test match without taking 20 wickets no matter how many runs you score,” Gill said at the pre-match press conference. “That has been one of our key discussion points: how we will take 20 wickets.”

Gill also revealed that the team management is weighing its options regarding team balance. "There might be a case where we go with six pure batters, and you will see a bowling all-rounder and three or four premier fast bowlers," he explained. With conditions expected to differ slightly from the usual English summer, the team is approaching its combination with caution and flexibility.

Ajinkya Rahane’s Predicted XI for 1st Test vs England:
Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Dhruv Jurel, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, and Arshdeep Singh.

The battle for the upcoming five-match Test series between India and England is fast heating up. The Headingly Cricket Ground at Leeds gears up to host an exciting showdown between two power-packed Test sides. England would look to redeem themselves by avenging the disastrous 4-1 series loss that occurred to them in their previous Test tour to India. On the other hand, India looks all set to start afresh and embark on a new chapter after their disappointing defeat in the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

Following the exit of Indian stars like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from the Test, all eyes are on the new-look Indian side, who at the moment seem to have a cautious blend of youth and experience. It's highly likely that we may see some fresh faces don the Indian jersey in whites. In this article, we bring you the top three Indian players to watch out for ahead of the first Test.

See also: 'Virat and Rohit have been....' - Star India player make huge remark of legends ahead of ENG vs IND Test series

Sai Sudharsan

The 23-year-old youngster from Tamil Nadu is in the form of his life. Sudharsan endured a spectacular run in the recent IPL 2025 season. He etched his name in the record books by finishing as the highest run scorer of the season. Sudharsan has featured for India in the limited-overs format and has enjoyed a fair bit of success. If drafted in the playing eleven, then it will be Sudharsan's first Test assignment for his national side. Sudharsan has played a formidable amount of County cricket in England and is fairly accustomed to the English conditions. Playing for Surrey, the youngster slammed 281 runs in two seasons, which included his sparkling century against Nottinghamshire in 2024.

Shubman Gill

The player who is perhaps the most talked about ahead of the series opener is none other than India's Test captain Shubman Gill. After successfully taking over the captaincy reins from the departing Rohit Sharma, Gill has a lot of responsibilities on his shoulders. Not only will his leadership skills be put to the Test, but his batting capabilities in hostile English conditions will also be under the scanner. Historically, Gill does not have a good track record in England, as he averages a shocking 14.66. However, his overall track record against England in the Test format is quite promising, to say the least. He maintains a healthy average of 37 and has two Test centuries against them. Unlike white-ball cricket, Gill hasn't quite had the same success in red-ball cricket, but his charismatic persona and calm temperament can surely help him win over the Poms in this must-win Test series for India. 

Karun Nair

The Karnataka-born Karun Nair has been hailed by many for his resounding resurgence in recent times. Back in 2016 England Test series at home, Karun took the world by storm by smashing a record-breaking triple ton. He became only the second Indian, after Virender Sehwag, to score a triple century in Test cricket. Karun burst onto the big stage with a lot of promise, but soon faded away from the grand scheme of things due to heightened competition and poor form. But the 33-year-old has scripted a remarkable recovery in the past 24 months. Karun has performed actively in the Indian domestic circuit in recent times, which has compelled the selectors to take cognizance of his current form. Moreover, he has also solidified his chances for his Test call-up by smashing a breathtaking double century (204 off 281) against England Lions during the first unofficial Test. 

Not a lot has gone in India's way following their memorable series win way back in 2007. India have lost three Test series there so far since 2007. However, in their last Test tour of 2021-22, India did manage to find some success, leveling a closely contested series by a margin of 2-2. 

The five-match showdown between India and England is just around the corner. The first Test is set to get underway at Headingly on June 20. Ahead of the much-anticipated Test, former England left-arm spinner Monty Panesar shares his insight on a young Indian top-order batter who is beginning to make waves in world cricket. The Tamil Nadu-born Sai Sudarshan has been drafted into the Indian side for the upcoming Test series, and he seems to be in the form of his life. 

Panesar reckons that the 23-year-old can be an absolute game-changer leading into the series and can provide the Indian side with a much-needed spark at the top of the order. Sudarshan is coming off the back of a stellar IPL 2025 season, concluding the tournament as the highest run scorer with 759 runs across 15 innings.  

See also: ICC proposes 4-day Tests for smaller nations but makes three exemptions

Panesar believes Sudharsan can come good in this tour

During his recent interaction with TOI on potential breakout stars, Panesar backs Sudharsan to score big and sees in him the potential to deliver on the big stage. He further adds that he has seen him fare well for Surrey in the domestic County circuit and believes that he has the needed temperament to tackle the English bowlers.

"I think Sai Sudharsan is one of those players who could become the breakout star of this tour. He’s done well for Surrey and has the temperament to challenge England’s bowlers."

The youngster recorded a breakthrough season for Surrey last year, notching up a solitary century (105 runs) against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge, which included 10 fours and a six. In two seasons so far, Sudharsan has accumulated 281 runs. Overall, the Tamil Nadu-born left-handed batter has shown promise and contributed immensely to Surrey's success in the County Championship in recent times. His familiarity with the English conditions will give him the desired edge to combat the hostile English pace attack.

In the absence of Rohit Sharma, Sudharsan will have a key role to play at the top of the order as he is likely going to open the batting with Jaiswal. With the first Test at Leeds looming large, the world gears up to see Sudharsan represent India for the first time in whites.