With the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from Test cricket, the Indian selectors are scanning the domestic and IPL circuits for long-term top-order options—and Sai Sudharsan is emerging as a leading candidate. The 23-year-old left-hander, who currently holds the Orange Cap in IPL 2025 with 638 runs in 13 innings, has impressed not just with his consistency but also with his composure in a high-pressure tournament.
Sai Sudharsan: Already a star in the making
He is as consistent as anyone in the league. Since his IPL debut in April 2022, no other batter averages more than Sudharsan’s 49.17. In his IPL career, the lefty has mustered 1672 runs at a strike rate of 145.13, including 11 fifties and a couple of hundreds.
Sudharsan’s elevation is not sudden—it is the result of methodical progression through domestic cricket, India A appearances, and a consistent IPL track record. The southpaw, who made his international debut in 2023 in white-ball formats, was selected for the upcoming India A tour of England, a series seen as a key preparatory platform for future Test prospects.
Importantly, Sudharsan has already experienced English conditions through stints with Kent in the County Championship, giving him an edge over some of his contemporaries.
Focus on IPL 2025, but one eye on India A
Despite the buzz around his potential Test debut, Sudharsan remains grounded. Speaking after Gujarat Titans’ recent defeat to Lucknow Super Giants, he said, “Right now, the most important thing is to finish in the top two so that we get an extra opportunity, if at all we need.” His focus remains on delivering for GT, who are vying for a direct entry into the Qualifier 1.
When asked about the India A call-up, Sudharsan responded: “Mentally, we will have to be switched on for the IPL first. Once that story is over, then we can probably think about the India ‘A’ story. But definitely happy for that opportunity, and I think I would have a great time there.”
Sudharsan’s name has reportedly been in the BCCI’s Test plans for a while now. He scored a century for India A against Australia A last year, although the team management then preferred Devdutt Padikkal in the starting XI. With Rohit Sharma now retired, and KL Rahul’s place in flux, Sudharsan’s form makes a strong case for a slot at the top or even at No. 3, depending on the team combination.
Sai Sudharsan’s first-class stats
| Span | Inns | Runs | Average | 100s | 50s | HS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 2022-25 | 49 | 1957 | 39.93 | 7 | 5 | 123 |
| County Cricket | 2023-24 | 8 | 281 | 35.12 | 1 | 1 | 105 |
