Sai Sudharsan Makes Test Debut as India Faces England at Headingley

In a highly anticipated match at Headingley, Sai Sudharsan has made his Test debut for India against England. With Abhimanyu Easwaran sidelined, Cheteshwar Pujara presented the cap to the young talent. The match began with England opting to bowl first after winning the toss. Shubman Gill confirmed Sai's batting position at three, while Karun Nair returns to the squad. Both captains shared their thoughts on the conditions and preparations ahead of the match. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting Test series.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 20, 2025, 15:23 IST

India's New Talent Takes the Field

After much anticipation, the Indian cricket team has officially presented the debut cap (317) to Sai Sudharsan during the first Test match against England at Headingley. Unfortunately, Abhimanyu Easwaran is unable to participate. Cheteshwar Pujara, who has been a stalwart in India's middle order, is currently in England for commentary duties and was called upon to present the Test cap to the promising player from Tamil Nadu.

Completing the Journey

Sai had previously received his T20 and ODI caps, and with this Test cap, he completes the trifecta. Notably, he was the orange cap holder in the 2025 IPL while playing for the Gujarat Titans under the captaincy of Shubman Gill.

Match Details and Toss Outcome

In the match, England, led by Ben Stokes, won the toss and opted to bowl first. India's lineup includes three pace bowlers, with Shardul Thakur making a return. Shubman Gill confirmed that Sai will bat at the number three position, and Karun Nair is back in the squad.

Captains' Insights at the Toss

Gill expressed a preference to bowl first but is prepared for the conditions. He noted that the team is in good spirits following their practice sessions. Here’s what both captains shared during the toss:

Ben Stokes:

"We'll bowl. Headingley is a very good cricket wicket, we've had some really good games here. Want to try and use the early conditions. It's been a long time coming, a bit strange that this is just the second series but we're ready. Some lads have played county cricket, and we've had three days of really good cricket. Our usual suspects in the top seven, Woakes, Brydon, Bashir, Tongue, and myself will make up the bowling."

Shubman Gill:

"I would have bowled first as well; it might be a bit tough in the first session, but it should be good to bat later. The sun is out, and it should be a good batting deck for us. Our preparation has been amazing; we played a practice game in Beckenham, and the lads are feeling great. Sai makes his debut, and Karun comes in. Sai will bat at three."

India's Playing XI for the First Test

The Indian team for the first Test includes: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Karun Nair, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Prasidh Krishna, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammad Siraj.

England's Playing XI for the First Test

The English lineup features: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes, James Smith, Chris Wokes, Josh Tongue, Brydon Carse, and Shoiab Bashir.