Sai Sudharsan reacts to first-ever India Test call-up for England series, says ‘I will be ready…’

New Delhi: Sai Sudharsan expressed his astonishment at his first Test team selection for India’s upcoming five-match series against England. ESPNcricinfo reported his reaction as feeling “surreal.” “It obviously feels great. Feels very special to be honest, and surreal also. Any cricketer, any young cricketer who starts playing cricket, wants to play Test cricket, wants to play for the country,” he said, as quoted from ESPNcricinfo. “The ultimate goal is always to play Test cricket. So really happy for that,” he added.

With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s retirements, Sai Sudharsan is anticipated to fill a key role in India’s revamped top four batting order. While he usually opens for Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy, he has indicated his willingness to bat at any position the national team requires.

“Sir, I think playing for the country itself is a very big privilege for a cricketer. So I don’t think I am in a position to choose where I want to play,” Sai said.

“Wherever the coaches tell me to play, I think I will be mentally and obviously skillfully, you know, try and be ready for the opportunity,” he added.

“I have a lot of likings. I think I will have to be ready for whichever (position) the team gives me. I will be ready for that,” he noted.

Shubman Gill’s recent appointment as India’s Test captain adds significance to the potential Test debut of a Gujarat Titans teammate.

“I mean, Shubhi (Shubman Gill) is, over the years, I have been a part of his growth as well,” Sai Sudharsan said, as quoted from ESPNcricinfo.

“I have seen him for the last four years. Such a talented batsman, such a skillful batsman, anybody can see,” he added.

“So I feel he will definitely do laurels and great things for the country and I am grateful and I am very happy to play under him in my first Test series,” he noted.

India A’s Sudharsan and Gill will play a four-day match against the England Lions beginning June 6 in Northampton before the highly anticipated series starts June 20.

“I always feel finish the first story, then go to the next one because now the IPL is also most important when we are in IPL (Indian Premier League),” he said, as quoted from ESPNcricinfo.

“So I think it is also most important of finishing this and then obviously we will have time to prepare. So I will use that bracket of days so that we will be ready for the Test series,” he added.

Currently, Sudharsan is concentrating on the Indian Premier League, with his team, the Gujarat Titans, having already qualified for the playoffs.

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