Sai Sudharsan and Washington Sundar have both been selected in India’s squad for the upcoming Test series against England. Washington Sundar, who also hails from Chennai, has been a significant source of inspiration for the young batsman Sai Sudharsan. Sai recently earned his maiden call-up to the national Test team for the five-match series in England.
At 23 years old, Sudharsan has already featured in three ODIs and one T20I for India, with two ODI half-centuries during the South Africa tour. He is expected to make his Test debut in the opening match against England at Headingley, Leeds, starting June 20.
In the 2025 Indian Premier League, Sudharsan scored an impressive 759 runs across 16 innings, including one century and six half-centuries for the Gujarat Titans. His stellar performance earned him the Orange Cap for the highest run-scorer and the ‘Emerging Player’ award.
“He has been my inspiration since I was young” — Sai Sudharsan on Washington Sundar
In an emotional statement released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Sai Sudharsan, a composed left-handed batsman, expressed his deep admiration for Washington Sundar. Sundar, an all-rounder, made his first-class debut in 2016 at just 17 years old. Six years later, at 21, Sudharsan followed suit and made his own debut.
Reflecting on how Sai Sudharsan has been a role model for him, Sudharsan spoke about Sundar’s rapid rise to prominence. Sundar debuted in Test cricket during the historic Brisbane Test against Australia in 2021 and first represented India internationally as a teenager in 2017. Sudharsan described Sundar’s swift ascent as both an “inspiration” and a “motivation” in his own career.
“He has been my inspiration since I was young. I’ve played a few games against him, which always feels special. Honestly, we have looked up to him a lot. I’ve even practiced against him a couple of times. The way he rose through the ranks and represented the country so quickly was always on my mind. He performed well in the IPL and then for India, which was a huge motivator for me back in Chennai. Knowing him from a young age and playing alongside him has been truly inspiring. It made me want to achieve the same,” Sudharsan shared in a BCCI video.
Sai Sudharsani has inspired many young cricketers in Chennai — Washington Sundar: Washington Sundar says he is proud to have inspired many children in Chennai and has been impressed with their development over the years.
“I’ve seen him on TV, and there’s a lot to learn from his skillset and work ethic. He has inspired many kids in Chennai, and I hope he continues to inspire youngsters across the world.
“He has told me this many times. My friends and coaches have also noted his growth. Over the past three or four years, he has consistently improved year after year.”
India’s tour of England is scheduled from June to August 2025, with matches to be held at Headingley (Leeds), Edgbaston (Birmingham), Lord’s (London), Old Trafford (Manchester), and The Oval (London).
