As India prepares for a new era in Test cricket following the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, questions loom large over who will take up the crucial No. 4 batting position long held by Kohli. While most have looked to newly-appointed captain Shubman Gill as the natural successor, former England spinner Monty Panesar has thrown his support behind a newcomer yet to debut—Sai Sudharsan.
Sudharsan’s selection for the upcoming five-match Test series against England was one of the most talked-about inclusions. His rise through the ranks has been swift, having had an outstanding domestic season, followed by a stellar IPL 2025 campaign, where he clinched the Orange Cap. The young batter also made headlines last year when he scored a century for Surrey in the County Championship, showcasing his ability to perform in English conditions.
Speaking to Insidesport, Panesar said:
“There are some really good youngsters in the team at the moment. One particular batsman is a Surrey player, Sai Sudharsan. He looks very aggressive and fearless. He’s a player who’s done well in English conditions and for Surrey. I think he could be the next superstar of Indian cricket and take on the role that Virat Kohli did at number four.”
Although Sudharsan was initially scheduled to arrive in England early to feature in the second India A match against the England Lions, his trip was delayed due to his IPL franchise Gujarat Titans reaching the playoffs. He eventually joined the rest of the Indian squad in England on Saturday and participated in his first training session at Lord’s on Sunday.
Panesar also expressed hope that India’s next generation, under Gill’s leadership, would preserve the legacy left behind by Kohli:
“The one thing I’d like to do is carry on the legacy of Virat Kohli. The way he played Test cricket, I would like to see the young Indian Test players play like that.”