IPL might have just given India its next Test opener and he is Shubman Gill's top man

Economic Times

a day ago

Sai Sudharsan's impressive IPL 2025 performance has earned him a Test call-up for India's series in England, signaling a potential new opening partnership with Shubman Gill. Despite Gujarat Titans' elimination, Sudharsan's consistency and adaptability, highlighted by his prolific run-scoring and technical prowess, position him as a promising prospect for the red-ball format.
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Is Sai ready for the transition from white to red ball?
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Sai remains humble about T20 stint in Blue
For the Gujarat Titans IPL 2025 has ended. Looking back at this season's journey, if one thing the franchise has given to Indian cricket , it would be the Sai Sudharsan show.There comes a moment in every cricketer's journey when preparation meets opportunity, and for Sai Sudharsan, that moment may have finally arrived.In the middle of a generational shift in Indian cricket, with stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli stepping away from Test duties, a new story is ready to unfold—one led by Shubman Gill , and possibly opened by Sudharsan. The 23-year-old left-hander has received his maiden Test call-up ahead of India's five-match series in England, signalling the beginning of a new red-ball era.'Good things come to those who wait. But better things come to those who work for it.' This line mirrors Sudharsan's steady, disciplined rise from domestic cricket to the IPL spotlight and now, to the cusp of wearing India's whites.While the approach to T20s and facing the red-ball are completely different, Sai Sudharsan has shown the technical foundation and temperament required to succeed in the longer format. His IPL 2025 performance, where he racked up 759 runs at an average of 54.21 with a strike rate above 150, showcased not just flair but also his ability to construct an innings under pressure—an essential trait for a Test opener.He formed the tournament's most prolific partnership with captain Shubman Gill. While the Titans' campaign ended in heartbreak with a 20-run loss to Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator, Sudharsan's form and focus remained intact.The transition from T20 to Test cricket is often daunting, but Sudharsan appears prepared. 'I think I played seven games, so it gave me great experience, to be honest. It improved my batting multiple-fold in terms of technique and basics. The most important lesson I have learned is that basics are the most important thing in batting, so I think it should help me,' he explained, reflecting on his county stint with Surrey.'I think it is all about mindset and decision-making. So, definitely, after a long three months of white-ball tournaments, certain things would have changed in your batting. I think focusing more on basics and bringing those back to red-ball cricket will take some time. I think we will have some good time before the series starts,' he added.Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene praised the youngster's temperament but acknowledged the challenges ahead. 'I have enjoyed his batting. I have to be honest, he is a good lefty, plays good cricketing shots, and has a good head on his shoulders as well. So, I am sure he will do well. It will be a challenge in England, like we have all done in the past, but I think he will find a way to do what he needs to do in England, and I am pretty sure that he is a very talented cricketer,' said Jayawardene.Sudharsan's red-ball record backs the promise: 26 first class matches with 1,764 runs at an average of 40.09, featuring six centuries and five half-centuries. Combined with his IPL consistency and county experience, he brings a blend of adaptability and discipline that suits the demands of Test cricket.Asked about potential T20I selection after a standout IPL season, Sudharsan stayed focused. 'I mean playing for the country is obviously a dream for everybody, so I would love to do that, but I am not thinking on those lines because if you see about the season, I have a lot of things to improve as a T20 batter.'He added, 'There are so many facets of the game or so many sectors I should improve when I play T20 again, so I am focusing more on that. Of course, when I get an opportunity, I will give my best for the country.'Sudharsan's personal success this IPL may not have been enough to carry Gujarat Titans all the way, but it has given Indian cricket a new Test hopeful—possibly the one who will walk out with Gill in the English summer, leading a team that's ready for a new chapter.