India Tour of England: Alec Stewart Lauds Sai Sudharsan as a ‘Special Talent’ with Test Potential
As India gears up for a challenging five-Test tour of England in June 2025, all eyes are on young batter Sai Sudharsan, who has received high praise from former England cricketer and Surrey director of cricket, Alec Stewart. Stewart, a respected voice in the cricketing world, has labeled Sudharsan a ‘special talent‘ and believes his technique and adaptability make him a prime candidate for success in the longer format, especially as Indian cricket transitions into a new era following Virat Kohli’s retirement.
Sudharsan, who has already donned the Indian jersey in ODIs and T20Is, is on the cusp of a potential Test debut during this tour, which marks the start of India’s World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle under the leadership of new captain Shubman Gill. With a first-class record boasting 1,957 runs in 29 games at an impressive average of 39.93, including seven centuries and a highest score of 213, Sudharsan has already demonstrated his mettle in domestic cricket. His recent exploits in the Indian Premier League (IPL) further bolstered his case, where he clinched the Orange Cap and Emerging Player of the Season award with a staggering 759 runs in 15 matches at an average of 54.21.
Stewart’s connection with Sudharsan began in 2023 when the young batter joined Surrey with limited first-class experience and no international caps to his name. Recommended by Vikram Solanki, Stewart recalls being instantly impressed by Sudharsan’s abilities during his initial training sessions. ‘Sai came as an unknown, with very limited experience of the English game. From his first session, you could see he was a special talent. He loves to bat, whether in the nets or out in the middle, and he fitted into our setup perfectly,’ Stewart enthused.
One of the standout aspects of Sudharsan’s game, according to Stewart, is his impeccable technique under tricky English conditions. ‘If you play too hard or get too far ahead of yourself, the seaming ball can catch you off-guard. Sai plays it late, under his eyes, keeping control. Even if he nicks it, like Kane Williamson, it often falls short of the slips—a real attribute,’ Stewart explained. He also praised Sudharsan’s adaptability on faster pitches like those at The Oval, noting his ability to play off the back foot, execute shots like the uppercut over the slips, and display a full array of strokes with precision.
Sudharsan’s commitment to growth is equally remarkable. After his county stint, he took several Dukes balls back home to India for practice, showcasing a forward-thinking mindset. ‘I didn’t charge him for them,’ Stewart chuckled. ‘He’s a quick learner who trains with purpose. Those balls might be worn out by now, but it shows his dedication to mastering the challenges of English conditions.’ Stewart also offered sage advice, urging Sudharsan not to emulate Virat Kohli but to focus on becoming the ‘best version of Sai Sudharsan‘.
The upcoming Test series, spanning from June to August 2025, will see India face England across iconic venues such as Leeds, Birmingham, London, and Manchester. With a revamped squad led by Shubman Gill and featuring talents like Rishabh Pant (vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jasprit Bumrah, and Sudharsan himself, India aims to make a strong start in the WTC cycle. For Sudharsan, this tour represents not just a chance to debut in Test cricket but also an opportunity to cement his place as a cornerstone of India’s batting lineup in the post-Kohli era.
In a cricketing landscape hungry for new heroes, Sai Sudharsan stands poised to make his mark. With the backing of a legend like Alec Stewart and a skill set tailored for the toughest of challenges, the young batter could well be the next big thing in Indian cricket. As the countdown to the England tour begins, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see if Sudharsan can translate his domestic and county form into international success.