IND vs ENG: Sai Sudharsan makes India Test debut at Leeds in 1st England Test

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Sudharsan is the 317th man to receive the India Test cap and will likely mark his first innings as India’s new No. 3 in the line-up. The left-hander’s batting technique received several plaudits after a record-breaking IPL 2025 season, where he finished as the highest run-getter with 759 runs.

Sudharsan has previously featured in two County stints with Surrey in 2023 and 2024, averaging 35. In his last outing for the side, Sudharsan cracked his maiden First-Class century in English conditions, while batting at No. 6. Overall, the 23-year-old averages 39.93 for 1957 runs in 29 FC outings since his debut in 2022.

The youngster was also part of the India A squad during the tour to Australia last year where he slammed a century in the first unofficial match against Australia A.

Behind his rise to the Indian team is the story of his family’s incredible support and sacrifice.

“My mother takes care of my strength and conditioning and my dad (R Bharadwaj, a former national-level athlete) handles my running aspect. And I have my brother (B Sai Ram) who offers all the support. They know me completely. They understand my emotions. Because they are knowledgeable, they can make a difference in my life,” Sai Sudharsan tells The Indian Express.

Sudharsan has previously represented India in three ODIs in South Africa in 2022, recording two half-centuries with a best of 67.