India Announces Squad for Test Series Against England Featuring New Talent

India's 18-Man Squad for England Test Series

India has unveiled an 18-member squad for the upcoming five-match Test series against England, showcasing some fresh and promising talents. Among them is Sai Sudharsan, a rising star who has garnered attention for his impressive performances in domestic cricket and various franchise leagues. Recently, he shared insights about his conversations with cricket icon Virat Kohli.

Notably, the Indian team will miss the presence of both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, as they have retired from Test cricket. Sudharsan mentioned that his latest interaction with Kohli occurred after the IPL 2025 final held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Sudharsan's Reflections on Kohli

“I congratulated him after the final; it was a significant moment for him. Over the years, I've had numerous discussions with him. What I admire most is his mindset—the dedication he has for the game. We've talked about how he coped during tough times when runs were hard to come by. Those moments are crucial for growth as a cricketer, and I learned a lot from those conversations,” 

Sudharsan expressed his congratulations to Kohli following RCB's thrilling IPL title victory, where they triumphed over Punjab Kings by a mere six runs. The 23-year-old emphasized that his discussions with Kohli often revolve around maintaining composure and performing under pressure.

Insights from Shubman Gill

Meanwhile, the Indian Test team will be led by Shubman Gill, who is set to make his debut as the red-ball captain during the England tour. Sudharsan has played alongside Gill in the IPL while representing the Gujarat Titans (GT), where both players excelled. He shared valuable lessons learned from the Punjab batter.

“The key takeaway is the mindset and self-belief he possesses. I've observed how he handles pressure when runs are scarce—his understanding of the game and life helps him maintain consistency. We also engage in technical discussions that prove beneficial,” remarked the IPL 2025 orange cap winner.