Sai Sudharsan Makes Test Debut for India in First Test vs England at Headingley

B. Sai Sudharsan will make his Test debut after being named in India’s playing XI for the first Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, starting June 20 at Headingley.

Cheteshwar Pujara presented Sudharsan with his Test cap ahead of the toss. With three ODI appearances and one T20I already under his belt, his Test debut completes the full set of international formats.

Sudharsan has been a consistent force in white-ball cricket. He was the leading run-scorer in IPL 2025, winning the Orange Cap and cementing his reputation as one of India’s brightest batting prospects.

While his first-class average stands at a modest 39.93 from 49 innings, the selectors have backed his potential and long-term upside. That said, the last Indian top-order batter to have a sub-40 first-class average at the time of Test debut was Wookeri Raman, against West Indies in Chennai in 1987/88.

What works in Sudharsan’s favour is familiarity with English conditions — he featured in a few County Championship matches for Surrey during the 2023 and 2024 seasons.

In five innings for Surrey, he averaged 35, including a century against Nottinghamshire last year — a knock that hinted at his adaptability in seaming conditions.