Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has backed the inclusion of Sai Sudharsan and Arshdeep Singh in India’s squad for the upcoming Test series. The five-match tour will commence from June 20 and will be preceded by an India A tour. While Sudharsan has reportedly already been shortlisted for the tour, it remains to be seen if Arshdeep and Shreyas can make the cut.
Shastri wants Sudharsan and Arshdeep in England tour
Speaking on ICC Review, Shastri reckoned that he sees Sai as an all-format player. Batting for his inclusion in the England tour, the ex-India coach pointed out that the Tamil Nadu batter was well versed with the conditions in England, in addition to being a left-handed batter.
“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.
For the record, Sudharsan has been prolific in domestic cricket and in IPL 2025. He has amassed 1957 runs from 29 first-class games, averaging 39.93. In IPL 2025, he already has 456 runs from 9 matches and averages 50.66. He also has the experience of playing in County Championships previously, which could prove to be an X-factor for India if picked in the squad.
Shastri also reckons that Arshdeep Singh should be included in the squad as he is a left-arm pacer. The Punjab bowler has made his presence in white-ball format but is yet to make his Test debut. Another option that Shastri opined could be was Khaleel Ahmed.
“It could be anyone. It could even be a white-ball specialist. I don’t like this thing when they say someone like Arshdeep Singh is a ‘white-ball specialist’. 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,” Shastri added.
No room for Iyer?
“He (Shreyas Iyer) can (make a comeback), but it’s again going to be a competition,” Shastri noted. “White-ball, certain. Test cricket, we’ve got to see who the other players are around,” he added.
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