India’s Test team is currently navigating a significant phase of change. The departure of senior figures such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin has left notable gaps in the lineup. These retirements mark the end of an era for the side.

With these experienced players no longer in the mix, the team faces the challenge of reshaping its core. New and emerging talents are being given opportunities to step up, but filling the shoes of such legends is no easy task. Leadership, stability, and consistent performances will be key in the coming years.

This period represents both a challenge and an opportunity for Indian cricket. While the team must adapt to life without its long-time stalwarts, it also allows for the development of a fresh group of match-winners. The transition phase will test the squad’s depth and resilience in the longest format.

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Team India Needs to Fill Some Blanks:

The rise of promising talents like Washington Sundar and Yashasvi Jaiswal has given India a boost during this transition phase. Their readiness for the longest format has eased some pressure, but gaps still remain, particularly in the batting lineup and pace attack.

Given this situation, Gautam Gambhir and his support staff must focus on selecting the right players to nurture. Backing them consistently and providing enough opportunities will be crucial for these cricketers to prove themselves at the highest level. A steady run in the side will help build confidence, experience, and the stability India needs as it rebuilds for future Test challenges.

Team India Should Support Some Potential Players:

With India’s Test side in a rebuilding phase, certain players deserve consistent support to help them settle and perform. Providing them with time and opportunities will allow their talent to flourish and contribute to the team’s stability. Here are three such cricketers who should be backed strongly during this transition period.

• Prasidh Krishna

Prasidh Krishna has faced criticism for his Test performances, with an economy rate nearing five and a bowling average close to 35. These figures highlight the challenges he has encountered so far, but with the right backing and guidance, he still has the potential to improve and become a more effective contributor to India’s bowling attack.

Prasidh Krishna is still in the early stages of his Test career, with only six matches under his belt. At 29, he entered the international arena with limited first-class experience and has also battled multiple serious injuries. With time and consistent opportunities, he has the ability to develop into one of India’s finest fast bowlers.

He belongs to a rare group of Indian pacers who possess world-class potential. In the recent Test series against England, he recorded the highest average of induced false shots, even surpassing Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. His steady growth in different aspects of bowling makes it crucial for the team management to give him full support and the confidence to perform at the highest level.

• Sai Sudarshan

Sai Sudharsan, who made his Test debut in the recent series against England, scored one half-century in six innings. While he couldn’t fully capitalise on his opportunities, he displayed flashes of his talent and the promise he holds for the future. His performances hinted at the composure and skill needed at the highest level.

A stylish left-hander with a solid technique, Sai is comfortable facing both pace and spin. His experience of producing quality innings in testing domestic conditions makes him a strong contender for the challenging No. 3 spot in Test cricket. With patience and consistent backing, he has the potential to become a dependable pillar in India’s batting lineup.

• Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep Yadav boasts an impressive Test record, yet his place in the Indian XI has often been uncertain. The team’s focus on strengthening batting depth has limited his opportunities, preventing him from becoming a regular starter despite his proven skills and ability to make a difference with the ball in longer formats.

Kuldeep Yadav did not feature at all during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, even on surfaces that seemed ideal for his style. As a left-arm wrist-spinner, he has delivered consistently in Tests and has the skill set to win matches in diverse conditions. With proper support from the management, he could establish himself as a game-changer.

After Ashwin’s retirement, Kuldeep was tipped to take on a bigger role in the side. While Washington Sundar’s rise has slightly reduced that expectation, the 30-year-old still brings immense value. If given more responsibility and a consistent run, he has the potential to be one of India’s leading bowling options in the longest format.

India had an impressive run in the recently concluded five-match Test series against England, finishing with a 2-2 draw under Shubman Gill’s leadership, despite missing Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. While the batting unit performed consistently across the series, former India captain Sourav Ganguly pointed out that the No.3 position appeared slightly vulnerable. He expressed support for young batter Abhimanyu Easwaran to fill that role, following ongoing discussions about his prolonged absence from the playing XI despite being part of the squad in previous tours.

Easwaran has travelled with the Indian team to Australia and England but is yet to make his Test debut. Throughout the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, India opted for Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair in the No.3 slot, leaving Easwaran on the bench. Ganguly remains confident that the Bengal cricketer will eventually find a place in the playing XI. With an impressive domestic record of 103 Ranji Trophy matches, Easwaran has scored 7841 runs at an average of 48.7, including 27 centuries, proving his readiness for the big stage.

See Also: Know why Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal are unlikely to get selected for India in Asia Cup 2025

“He has age on his side. I still believe he will get his chance. I feel batters like Yashasvi, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja have all got runs. It’s only the No.3 slot that looked a bit fragile. Maybe Easwaran will be tried there,” Ganguly told to The Times of India.

Gautam Gambhir assured my son: Easwaran’s father

Sai Sudharsan, who was preferred over Abhimanyu Easwaran, scored just 140 runs in six innings at No.3, averaging 23.33 and recording two ducks. Meanwhile, Karun Nair, returning to Test cricket after eight years, managed 205 runs from eight innings at an average of 25.62. Easwaran’s father recently disclosed that India head coach Gautam Gambhir has assured his son a fair opportunity when his turn arrives. In the second unofficial Test against the England Lions, Easwaran batted at No.3, scoring 11 and 80, but is still waiting for his maiden India cap.

Easwaran will captain the East Zone in the 2025 Duleep Trophy, a tournament that could further strengthen his claim for a national call-up. India’s upcoming home Test season features series against the West Indies and South Africa, where the No.3 position may again come under scrutiny. With Sudharsan and Nair’s recent struggles, it remains to be seen if the selectors finally give Easwaran his long-awaited opportunity to prove himself at the highest level.

A rain-struck day in London, as it was predicted before. After the 23rd over of Day 1 of the England vs India 5th match of the Anderson-Tendulkar trophy, the umpire called for lunch as it was raining again. Before that, both England and India created some cheerful moments for the crowd at The Oval.

Sai Sudharsan was batting with confidence on the green surface of The Oval. Before rain pushed the match, he delivered four boundaries, one of those being labelled as 'shot of the day' by the commentator. The left-handed batter played a wonderful half volley against England pacer Josh Tongue, which resulted in a four. After making contact with the bat, the ball swiftly ran to the boundary rope.

No fancy movements, Sudharshan waited for the moment and applied exactly what is written in the textbook. A classic cricketing shot in the Whites.

SAI SUDHARSAN SPECIAL AT THE OVAL. pic.twitter.com/WY7LWXu68m

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 31, 2025

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An important partnership in the making 

The young batter remained unbeaten for 25 after facing 67 balls. His partnership with Captain Shubman Gill is crucial for the team. Gill faced 23 deliveries so far and got 15* runs before rain joined the party. England started the match well and got rid of the openers quickly. Yashasvi Jaiswal went back to the dugout after scoring only 2, and KL Rahul departed for 14 off 40. Rahul was in good touch and used his wrists delicately to perform a flick and a boundary. 

Shubman Gill again lost the toss and allowed Ollie Pope, England's skipper for this match, to announce their decision first. For obvious reasons, Pope voted for bowling first. When England got rid of Rahul, India was 38 for 2. By lunch, the visiting team scored 72 after losing Jaiswal and Rahul. The home team needed only 19 balls to draw the first blood of the match. Gus Atkinson took the wicket of Yashasvi Jaiswal, while the second came in the form of KL Rahul, struck by Chris Woakes.

Sai Sudharsan shared a heartfelt post the day after the Old Trafford Test, where India saved the match in a heroic manner. Centuries from Captain Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar became the highlight of the match.

Along with these three performers, India opener KL Rahul also played an important role in the intense battle. But, in the highly engaging match, you young Indian stars remained cold in the second and the decisive phase of the match. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan made the India cricket fans disheartened. Team India started their second innings after losing two back-to-back wickets.

Sudharshan had to depart without scoring any runs. But in the first innings in Manchester, he showed his talent through a 60-run knock. Sudharshan's latest Instagram post reflected the view of the young batter about the match at Old Trafford, which concluded in a draw.

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Sudharsan expressed his emotions after a tough Test at Old Trafford 

Sharing his teammates photos, he wrote in the Insta post, "The last few days have been a rollercoaster of emotions, learning, and resilience—proud to wear the whites and represent India with all my heart."

The 23-year-old made his way to the Test side after making a truck full of runs in the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). For India, his career so far is not in a linear motion. The Indian team management dropped Sudharshan right after the first Test in Leeds. The southpaw made his Test debut with a duck followed by a 30-run knock, which was not enough to maintain a spot in the first XI. After warming the bench for the second and the third tests, the Chennai-born again got a chance to shine. 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Sai Sudharsan (@sais_1509)

The inclusion of Sai Sudharsan in place of Karun Nair left former India international Ravichandran Ashwin in double mind. He praised Sudharsan for his stellar performance at Old Trafford, coming in at number 3. In the same video, he criticized Team India management for not supporting Karun Nair, despite Shubman Gill's positive intentions during the pre-match press conference. India, playing the 4th Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar trophy, after getting defeated at Lord's and allowing the home team to capture a 2-1 lead. In this scenario, Gill and his boys have no option but to win the match at any cost. Sudharsan's stoic 61 came at the right time and with the right purpose. Team India, in their previous encounters, had to suffer badly because of multiple batting collapses. Sudharsan, batting at number 3, played the confident knock after losing the wicket of KL Rahul and then the departure of Yashasvi Jaiswal. Sudharsan's innings helped the team to endure the wickets of openers. 

"It is not easy being a youngster after getting dropped and with India 1-2 behind in the series to come into the fourth Test and respond the way he did. I think he has to own that No. 3 for the near future to be able to give a bit of solidity for the team," speaking on ‘Ash ki Baat’ on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said. 

"We have seen Cheteshwar Pujara and Rahul Dravid bat at No. 3. Sai Sudharsan showed that sort of solidity. He was able to leave the ball; of course, the wicket was a good one, but he negotiated a tough phase. He earned the right to score those runs. I am a bit upset because I am a huge well-wisher of him. He could have scored a hundred. That guy has a big appetite for runs. He just missed out on a well-deserved hundred." 

Read More: Three players who can replace Rishabh Pant in ongoing ENG vs IND Test series

An unusual position for Karun Nair 

The former India international felt that the team management should offer Karun Nair another chance. Because he had to bat at number 3, where he had not batted before. 

"Karun Nair has never played at No. 3. Now, by playing him at No. 3, you have put his mindset in a block," Ashwin said.

Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin questioned Gautam Gambhir’s decision to promote Karun Nair to the No. 3 position during the second and third Tests against England. Ashwin pointed out that Nair had never batted at that spot before, and the shift likely affected his mindset and performance. Nair struggled with just 131 runs in six innings at an average of 21.83. As a result, he was dropped for the fourth Test at Old Trafford. India’s batting order adjustment sparked debate among former players and fans alike.

Ashwin, however, lauded Sai Sudharsan, who replaced Nair in the playing XI for the must-win fourth Test. Sudharsan repaid the faith shown in him by scoring a composed 61 on Day 1, helping India post 264 for 4 at stumps after being asked to bat. Ashwin highlighted how Sudharsan’s comeback under pressure showed maturity and resilience, especially after being dropped earlier in the series. The youngster’s knock provided stability after early setbacks.

See Also: Three players who can replace Rishabh Pant in ongoing ENG vs IND Test series

"Karun Nair has never played at No. 3. Now, by playing him at No. 3, you have put his mindset in a block. But credit to Sai Sudharsan because it is not easy being a youngster after getting dropped and with India 1-2 behind in the series to come into the fourth Test and respond the way he did. I think he has to own that No. 3 for the near future to be able to give a bit of solidity for the team," Ashwin said.

Sai Sudharsan showed that sort of solidity: Ashwin

Sai Sudharsan, who has dropped from the Indian team after their opening Test of the series against England at Leeds, returned to number three during the fourth game at Old Trafford in Manchester, post Karun Nair’s struggling numbers of 111 runs in four innings at that position. 

Sudharsan got temperament and incredible hardcore batting in the middle and negotiated the England bowlers’ different plans to celebrate a fine half-century in the game. That was the first fifty by India’s number three in an away Test since Cheteshwar Pujara got the landmark against Bangladesh in 2022.

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‘I don’t think that way because I am out as well. I keep on preparing for every game. So even though, when I am not playing, the best mindset is the best possible thing that I can do from outside, so when I get in when the team requires, I don’t feel that I was outside.’ Sudharsan expressed after the end of the opening day on Star Sports.

Watch: Sai Sudharsan highlights his batting during ENG vs IND 4th Test in Manchester  

The Tamil Nadu batter revealed that on the eve of the matches, he would always try to keep it simple and in shape and follow the same routine that he had been following for a long time. In Manchester, during the first innings, he nailed 61 runs in 151 balls, thanks to seven boundaries.

The 𝗦𝗮𝗶 𝗦𝘂 Mindset! 🤌

Back in the XI and makes a statement with his maiden Test fifty! Well played, #SaiSudarshan 👏#ENGvIND 👉 4th TEST, DAY 2 | THU, 24th JUL, 2:30 PM | Streaming on JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/UEOnf76ZMT

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) July 23, 2025

‘I just feel I am already playing, and I am already contributing to the team. So, just the mindset shift I feel. I don’t take it as a comeback, but it was good. It was great to contribute. I mean, match day minus one is already curated. So it’s always the same.’ The Gujarat Titans’ batter revealed.

‘It’s a mentally very good thing to do. That switches you on. It’s kind of a switch when you put match day minus one once you do all your routines. The one you do all your preparations for, that you feel will make you ready. That helps in getting mentally ready to get you in the game.’ Sai Sudharsan concluded that the management expects to end the fight for India’s number three.

India’s promising batter Sai Sudharsan provided an update on Rishabh Pant’s condition following Day 1 of the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford. Pant suffered a painful injury to his right foot after being struck by a Chris Woakes delivery late in the final session. While visibly in pain, Pant appeared to be limping while taking his pads off near the crease. He was promptly looked at by the medical staff and subsequently taken from the field in an ambulance, putting his availability in doubt for the rest of the all-important Test match.

Speaking after stumps, Sudharsan revealed that Pant had been taken to the hospital for scans and was being closely monitored. He acknowledged that Pant’s absence would be a significant blow to the team but reassured that the remaining batters are mentally prepared to step up if he is unable to return. Sudharsan emphasized the team’s readiness to take responsibility, ensuring fans that they remain focused and confident despite the setback.

See Also: Latest press release from BCCI on Rishabh Pant's injuring during Day 1 of ENG vs IND 4th Test

“He was in a lot of pain definitely, but they've gone for scans. We'll get to know overnight, probably get the information tomorrow. Obviously he will be a big miss, because he was batting really well today as well, and plus we miss out on a batter. If he doesn't come back again it will definitely have consequences. But at the same time, the batters who are batting right now and there are a few more all-rounders inside. We'll try and give our best and bat long so that we negotiate that loss very well," said Sudharsan in the press conference at the end of the day’s play.

𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲:

Rishabh Pant was hit on his right foot while batting on Day 1 of the Manchester Test.

He was taken for scans from the stadium.

The BCCI Medical Team is monitoring his progress.

— BCCI (@BCCI) July 23, 2025

I was trying to play the situation very well and do what I can do best for my team: Sai Sudharsan

Sai Sudharsan stated that he didn’t view the situation as one filled with pressure, but rather as a great opportunity to express himself. He acknowledged that the game naturally involves pressure and how well it is handled, adding that his focus was on playing according to the situation and contributing his best to the team. He emphasized that his main thought was about helping the team rather than dwelling on the fact that it was his first Test or that he was playing in place of another batter. He clarified that he wasn't burdened by the idea that he had to score just because he was replacing someone or hadn't played the previous match.

“I'm not looking at it as a pressure situation, it's a great opportunity for me to go out there and express myself. Yes, the game is all about pressure and handling it really well. I was trying to play the situation very well and do what I can do best for my team. So that's the most important thought, which is right up in my mind rather than me playing my first test or me playing in place of another batter. So as a batter or as a player for the team, I'm trying to do my best when I get in there, not to think about, did I play the last game or am I replacing somebody so that I have to definitely get runs, nothing like that,” he added.

Former Indian cricketer and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar observed that dropping Sai Sudharsan after just one Test match significantly impacted the young batter's confidence. According to Manjrekar, the early phase of Sudharsan’s innings in the Manchester Test against England reflected his shaken mindset. He highlighted Sudharsan’s hesitation, particularly when facing deliveries outside the off stump, as a visible sign of uncertainty. Manjrekar noted that the pressure of making a comeback after being benched might have weighed heavily on the left-hander, disrupting his usual flow and rhythm at the crease.

Manjrekar further explained that Sudharsan’s approach in the second Test appeared to be more about survival than scoring runs. The youngster’s cautious gameplay, he felt, stemmed from a fear of failure triggered by his exclusion after a low-scoring debut at Headingley. According to Manjrekar, such psychological pressure often alters a player's instincts, making them overly defensive. He believes that this mindset needs to shift if Sudharsan is to thrive at the highest level.

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“Just going to focus on Sai Sudharsan here, it's a story in itself. Now he's come into bat, again, made a comeback into the playing XI, but I'm seeing some nerves here, the way he is batting. He's come with this pre-conceived mindset that he's going to leave everything outside off, which is not a bad thing to happen, but there were a couple of very over-pitched deliveries and some very close to the stumps that he left alone,” Manjrekar told on air via JioHotstar.

Just one Test match, dropped - would not have helped his confidence: Sanjay Manjrekar

Former India and Mumbai batter opined that Sai Sudharsan appeared noticeably more tense while batting in the ongoing Test compared to his debut outing in the first match. Walking in at No. 3 after KL Rahul’s dismissal in the 31st over, Sudharsan initially looked indecisive but gradually settled in and went on to score his maiden Test fifty. He was eventually dismissed for 61 off 151 deliveries during the final session. At Stumps on Day 1, India stood at 264/4 in 83 overs, with Sudharsan emerging as the team’s top scorer.

“And I really think when you have a young player to deal with, these are things you've got to be mindful of. They come with a very fragile kind of confidence. Just one Test match, dropped - would not have helped his confidence. He's come back into this Test and looking really nervous, much more than he did in his debut Test match I think,” added Manjrekar.

A huge update came out from Manchester; there are only a few hours to go before the England vs. India 4th Test of the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar trophy. Team India can make some major changes in their first XI. Changes in the batting line-up are highly expected. As per the latest claims on social media, Karun Nair is all set to be benched, and Sai Sudharsan can make his way back to the combination for this crucial match. If Nair is put out from the combination, Sudharshan, who batted at the number 3 position in the last encounter, can reclaim the spot.

Before Nair, it was Sudharshan who was first considered for batting at No. 3. But he dropped right after the first match of the 5-match series at Leeds. After a splendid domestic season, Karun made his strides back into the Team India dressing room with high expectations. But, so far, his performance has remained underwhelming. He got his chance in the first three games of the tour, batted in 6 innings, but did not come close to his best. 

Karun Nair's run in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy so far:

• Leeds Test: 0 and 20 runs.
• Birmingham Test: 31 and 26 runs.
• Lord's Test: 40 and 14 runs. 

🚨 𝑹𝑬𝑷𝑶𝑹𝑻𝑺 🚨

🔹 Sai Sudharsan is likely to replace Karun Nair!
🔸 Anshul Kamboj is likely to make his Test debut in place of Akash Deep!
🔹 Shardul Thakur is likely to replace the injured Nitish Kumar Reddy!#ENGvIND #Tests #Manchester #India #Sportskeeda pic.twitter.com/PbC8zC6OiT

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) July 23, 2025

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Sudharsan rehearsed alone on field 

Unlike Nair, Sudharshan got only one chance to show his potential in the competition. In his only match in the Whites, which was in Leeds, he scored 0 and 30, respectively, in the first and second innings. The southpaw was spotted barefoot in the middle of a rain-soaked Old Trafford. White covers were on to protect the pitch and the ground as much as possible.

Dark grey clouds were over the Old Trafford stadium; the weather was heavy and a little bit cold before an intense battle between England and India. When the raindrops were melting in the lush green Old Trafford surface, Sudharshan was melting in his own thoughts. He was visualizing deliveries alone, on the covers, in the middle of the park. The southpaw came into the field barefoot, in the training dress only, to do some shadow practice.