Former Australian skipper Michael Clarke has put his weight behind Sai Sudharsan to be India’s number three in the red-ball version. While Sudharsan averages only 39 in first-class cricket, he impressed one and all with his consistent performances in IPL 2025. The southpaw top-scored in the tournament with 759 runs in 15 matches at an average of 54.21.

The left-hander from Tamil Nadu has shown the right temperament and has the right technique to succeed at the top level in the multi-day format.

“To me, this kid is a superstar, Sai Sudharsan. I think he is a number three in Test cricket. I think he is probably going to open the batting in time in India’s T20I and ODI team. He is in their Test squad. He gets his first opportunity in England.

“I think he can walk in straight to bat at number three. I think technically he’s very good, he’s got all the shots and mentally, he’s ready. He really impressed me and he’s a good looking player as well,” Clarke said on the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast.

On the other hand, the 2015 World Cup-winning captain rated Kuldeep Yadav as the best bowler of IPL 2025 and said the wrist spinner should be India’s first-choice spinner on the England tour.

“He wasn’t the leading wicket-taker, but to me Kuldeep Yadav. He should be India’s number one pick spinner. In England, he is my first pick spinner. He is playing he is a wicket-taker, he is an X factor.

“He was my bowler of the tournament. I think his reading of batters has improved out of sight. His courageousness to still the toss the ball up to attack to take the wickets. I loved watching him bowl and he bowled at the hardest times,” Clarke said.

Kuldeep picked 15 wickets in 13 innings for DC in the tournament and bowled with an impressive economy rate of 7.07.

The opening Test match between India and England will be played at Leeds, Headingley, from June 20 onwards.