Sai Sudharsan Calls Maiden India Test Team Call-Up ‘Surreal’, Prepares for England Challenge

Mumbai, May 25: Sai Sudharsan described his maiden Test call-up as "surreal" after being named in India's squad for the upcoming five-match Test series in England, as per ESPNcricinfo. Following the retirements of stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Sudharsan is expected to be part of India's new-look top four. Though he typically opens the batting for Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy, Sudharsan has expressed his readiness to bat in any position for the national team. Shubman Gill Named India's New Test Captain; Sai Sudharsan, Arshdeep Singh Earn Maiden Call-Ups As BCCI Announces 18-Member Squad For IND vs ENG 2025 Series.

"It obviously feels great. Feels very special to be honest, and surreal also. Any cricketer, any young cricketer who starts playing cricket, wants to play Test cricket, wants to play for the country. The ultimate goal is always to play Test cricket. So really happy for that," he said, as quoted from ESPNcricinfo.

"Sir, I think playing for the country itself is a very big privilege for a cricketer. So I don't think I am in a position to choose where I want to play. Wherever the coaches tell me to play, I think I will be mentally and obviously skilfully, you know, try and be ready for the opportunity. I have a lot of likings. I think I will have to be ready for whichever (position) the team gives me. I will be ready for that," Sai Sudharsan said.

Adding to the momentous occasion, his Test debut could come under the leadership of Shubman Gill, his captain at Gujarat Titans (GT), who has just been appointed India's new red-ball skipper.

"I mean, Shubhi (Shubman Gill) is, over the years, I have been a part of his growth as well. I have seen him for the last four years. Such a talented batsman, such a skillful batsman, anybody can see. So I feel he will definitely do laurels and great things for the country and I am grateful and I am very happy to play under him in my first Test series," Sai Sudharsan said, as quoted from ESPNcricinfo.

The highly anticipated series begins on June 20, but both Sudharsan and Gill will first join the India A squad for the second four-day match against the England Lions, scheduled to start on June 6 in Northampton. Shubman Gill Faces Tough Task As He Takes Charge of India’s Test Cricket Future.

"I always feel finish the first story, then go to the next one because now the IPL is also most important when we are in IPL (Indian Premier League). So I think it is also most important of finishing this and then obviously we will have time to prepare. So I will use that bracket of days so that we will be ready for the Test series,"  he said, as quoted from ESPNcricinfo.

For now, however, Sudharsan remains focused on the Indian Premier League, where Gujarat Titans have secured a spot in the knockout stage. He also acknowledged the unique challenge of transitioning from the high-paced T20 format to the more demanding rhythms of Test cricket.

"Transitioning from white ball to red ball takes a bit of time. I think I focus a lot more on my basics. I focus a lot more on my patience even outside the field. The more patient you are, the more it reflects inside the field. So, Test cricket is all about patience and longevity. So I feel the more I focus on that, the more I be aware of it, I think it will be a great experience,"  he said, as quoted from ESPNcricinfo.

(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)