New Delhi: Not only batter Sai Sudharsan, who is in the midst of a purple patch in IPL 2025, seamer Arshdeep Singh and Left arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav should get the nod in India’s squad for a five-match Test series in England that begins on June 20, believes former BCCI chief selector MSK Prasad.
“Sai has to be a part of this England series. Because this is the ideal timeas the new WTC cycle is going to begin,” the former India keeper told PTI.
“If Rohit is part of the squad, then he opens alongside Jaiswal and Sai can be the back up opener. I will leave to the selectors to take that call. Sai might get his opportunity as the series progresses.”
Prasad prefers Rishabh Pant as the first-choice keeper-batter though KL Rahul is a contender but is good enough to play as a specialist batter in the middle-order.
“Besides Gill, KL is another all format player for you. Though Shreyas Iyer has done well in white ball cricket I won’t pick him for England series,” he said.
“Jaddu, Washy and Kuldeep are three spinners for me. Jaddu is automatic pick, Washy as the all-rounder and Kuldeep is a match winner for me. I would not pick Axar Patel for this one.”
In spite of Nitish Reddy’s injury concerns that has prevented him from bowling in the IPL so far, Prasad included him in his squad after his impressive batting siaply in the Australia series.
“Compared to Australia, Reddy the bowler will be more handy in English conditions,” he said.
Since Prasidh Krishna and Arshdeep have the ability to can swing the ball both ways they should be picked. Being the lone left-arm seamer Arshdeep adds variety to the attack while Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj are regulars in the pace unit.
“Arshdeep would be my out of the box pick. In English conditions, you need a left arm seamer. This guy is able to move the ball both sides. He’s bowling 135s. He’s very, very confident today,” Prasad said.
“After taking 100 T20 wickets, I think he’s smart enough to understand the nuances of the game. He also has county experience.”
Former BCCI chief selector MSK Prasad has spoken of his preferred Indian squad for a five-match Test series in England that begins on June 20 Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
