Former India coach Ravi Shastri has identified young Gujarat Titans batter Sai Sudharsan as a potential all-format player for India's upcoming Test series against England, citing his impressive IPL performance and technical prowess suitable for English conditions.
Sudharsan, currently the second-highest run-scorer in IPL 2024 with 456 runs, has caught Shastri's attention for the five-Test series starting at Headingley on June 20.
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"I see this young man, Sai Sudharsan, for all formats of the game," Shastri told The ICC Review.
"He seems like a class player and my eyes would be on him certainly. Being a left-hander in England, knowing English conditions, and just his technique, the way he plays, I think he'll be top of the list for me from the outsiders wanting to get into this side," Shastri said.
Shastri also discussed Shreyas Iyer's potential comeback to the Test side, though acknowledging the strong competition.
"He (Shreyas Iyer) can (make a comeback), but it's again going to be a competition. White-ball, certain. Test cricket, we've got to see who the other players are around," Shastri said.
With Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami returning from injuries, Shastri emphasized the need for a left-arm seamer in India's bowling attack.
"I'll be looking for a left-armer. I'll be keeping an eye on which left-armer is in good form, and try and squeeze him in there as the sixth (bowling) option," said the former India captain.
Shastri specifically mentioned Arshdeep Singh's potential in Test cricket, despite his white-ball specialist tag.
"I'll keep a close eye on his red-ball record as well and the number of overs he bowls. If he can bowl 15-20 overs for me, he might very well be in the mix because he's got the mindset. He's a thinking bowler and I need a left-armer. It's just that," Shastri said.
The former coach also suggested considering other left-arm options for the England tour.
"You need a left-armer, go and find him, whoever it is and whoever is the best of the lot – pick them. There's Khaleel Ahmed, who again, his rhythm is good, he's bowling well. So it's important to get that mix," he added.
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