Ravi Shastri has urged India to shake up their squad for the upcoming five-Test series in England, backing left-field selections to inject new energy into the red-ball side.
Speaking on The ICC Review, the former head coach singled out left-handed batter Sai Sudharsan as his top pick. “He’s a class player. My eyes would be on him,” said Shastri, highlighting the 23-year-old’s strong IPL 2025 form and red-ball credentials.
Sudharsan, already a white-ball international, has not yet debuted in Tests. But his first-class record—1957 runs in 29 matches at an average of 39.93—along with a double century in the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy and experience in English conditions with Surrey, make a strong case.
“Being a left-hander in England, knowing those conditions, he should be top of the list,” Shastri said.
Left-Arm Options on the Radar
Shastri also demanded the inclusion of a left-arm fast bowler, suited for seam-friendly English pitches. He flagged Arshdeep Singh and Khaleel Ahmed as strong contenders, challenging the idea that they are limited to white-ball roles.
“You need a left-armer—go and find one,” he insisted. “Arshdeep bowls smart. If he can give me 15–20 overs, he’s in the mix.”
Arshdeep has 66 wickets in 21 first-class games and recently impressed with Kent in the 2024 County Championship, taking 13 wickets in five matches.
Khaleel, with 52 wickets in 19 red-ball matches, was in the mix during the Australia tour before injury ruled him out. Shastri believes both can push for a debut if form and rhythm hold.
Iyer’s Test Future Unclear
Shreyas Iyer also came up in the conversation. Though he features in India’s latest central contract list and has a decent Test average of 43.29 in Asia, Shastri was cautious about his role outside the subcontinent.
“He can return, but it depends on the competition,” he said. Iyer’s overseas Test record stands at just 75 runs in three appearances, including one in England.
Eyes on June
The first Test kicks off at Edgbaston, Birmingham on 20 June 2025, marking the start of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle. Shastri’s remarks echo a wider sentiment that India must rebuild with intent, not caution.
After the 3–1 loss in Australia earlier this year ended their WTC Final hopes, selectors are under pressure to revive the red-ball strategy. Shastri’s push for fresh faces may just be the jolt Indian cricket needs.
