Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 16: As India gears up for the opening Test against England on June 20 at Leeds, left-handed batting sensation B Sai Sudharsan shared heartfelt reflections on his long-standing admiration for fellow Tamil Nadu cricketer and off-spin all-rounder Washington Sundar.
This marks the first time both Sudharsan and Sundar have been named in India’s Test squad for a tour of England—a proud moment for the two Chennai natives and long-time teammates.
“He has been my inspiration since I was young,” Sudharsan said in a video released by BCCI. “I’ve played a few matches against him, and it has always felt special. Watching him rise quickly to the national team after performing well in the IPL was a huge motivation for me.”
Sundar, who made his international debut in 2017, quickly cemented his place across formats and rejoined the Test setup during last year’s series against New Zealand. His journey, Sudharsan says, is a template of success. “Knowing him since childhood and seeing him achieve so much made me want to follow a similar path.”
Sudharsan himself is riding high on form. After clinching the Orange Cap in IPL 2025, he has emerged as one of India's brightest young batting prospects. He has already featured in three ODIs and a T20I and made his mark in first-class cricket. His stint with Surrey in England's County Championship, where he tallied 281 runs across two victorious seasons, has further bolstered his credentials.
In a heartwarming turn, Sundar also spoke admiringly of Sudharsan, highlighting the mutual respect between the two. “Watching him on TV, I’ve seen how much he’s grown—his skillset, his discipline, and his work ethic. In Chennai, coaches and friends often talk about how far he’s come, especially over the last few years,” Sundar said. “He’s inspiring a lot of kids, and I’m genuinely happy for him.”
The two cricketers now look ahead to India's five-match Test series in England—an intense contest set to span from June 20 to August 4, with matches scheduled at Headingley, Edgbaston, Lord’s, Old Trafford, and The Oval. Led by Shubman Gill, Team India is chasing its first Test series win on English soil since 2007. The tour also marks India’s first challenge in the 2025–27 World Test Championship cycle.