Why Sai Sudharsan? Why no Sarfaraz? Why Arshdeep? Why no Shami? India’s Test squad for the England tour triggered some strong reactions! So, let’s decode the real reasons behind a few inclusions—and the eyebrow-raising omissions.

Let’s start with Sai Sudharsan. Now, everyone’s saying “IPL form,” but hold your horses. It’s not just about the orange cap chase. Yes, his first-class average is under 40, but selectors see red-ball gold. Why? A century against England Lions, another in Australia A’s backyard, plus a hundred for Surrey in County cricket last year. That’s three different continents. No joke!

Then there’s Karun Nair—yes, he’s back! After 7 years in the wilderness, he’s forced his way in with 863 Ranji runs and 779 in the Vijay Hazare, including 5 centuries. Plus, he scored 487 runs including a double hundred in the County Championship last year. So, there was no way he wasn’t going to be picked.

Shardul Thakur also returns. He missed the Aussie tour post-surgery, but the selectors see him as a handy bowling all-rounder. Compare that to Nitish Reddy, who’s more of a batting all-rounder. So, the selectors just wanted more balance, folks.

And Prasidh Krishna? Don’t forget—he took 6 wickets the last time India played a Test match, in Sydney. Wickets are a currency you just don’t ignore.

Now, Arshdeep Singh. He hasn’t played much red-ball cricket lately. But here’s the thing—he’s the only left-arm quick in the squad. That’s variety. Plus, he picked up 13 wickets during his short stint with Kent in 2023. So, that’s a no-brainer pick.

But yes, no Sarfaraz Khan, and that stings. He dropped weight for this. Scored twin fifties on debut. A 150 vs New Zealand. But post that? 21 runs in 4 Test innings. Didn’t feature in Australia either. And the selectors just went for Nair’s volume over Sarfaraz’s spark.

And no Shami—because, well, he’s not fit. He’s undergoing treatment and MRI scans. Plain and simple. What do you guys think about India’s squad? Do let us know in the comments.

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