Michael Clarke, the former Australian captain, suggested that India should consider Sai Sudharsan for the number 3 position in their upcoming Test series against England. With Virat Kohli’s retirement leaving a significant void at No. 4, the newly appointed captain, Shubman Gill, is expected to step into that spot. As a result, India will need to find a dependable option for the No. 3 slot.

Clarke has expressed confidence that Sudharsan is a strong candidate for the number 3 role, believing that the left-handed batter will definitely get an opportunity during the England tour.

“In my view, this kid is a superstar. I believe he can slot in at number three in Test cricket. Over time, he is likely to open the batting for India in T20Is and ODIs as well. He’s part of their Test squad and will get his first chance in England,” Michael Clarke said.

Sudharsan scored 759 runs from 15 matches, at an average of 54.21 and a strike rate of 156.17 and won the Orange Cap in IPL 2025. His tally included a century and six fifties, and he was also named the Emerging Player of the Year, ahead Priyansh Arya, Noor Ahmad, and other young talents.

Clarke praised Sudharsan’s performances in the IPL, emphasizing his solid technique and ability to accumulate runs efficiently while minimizing risks.

“He’s ready to walk straight in and bat at number three. Technically, he’s exceptional, has all the shots, and is mentally prepared. He really impressed me, and he’s a stylish player too,” Clarke added.

However, Karun Nair, another Indian batter, has also made a compelling case for the number 3 spot. Nair scored an impressive double century in India A’s first game on the England tour, batting in the same position.

Both Sudharsan and Gill were initially set to play in the second four-day game, but their IPL commitments made them unavailable. Instead, they will have just the intra-squad match to prepare before the opening Test in Leeds.