Team India is gearing up for a crucial five-match Test series against England starting June 20. Ahead of this highly anticipated clash, former Australian captain Michael Clarke has made a bold statement about a young Indian batsman who has recently captured attention with his explosive performance in IPL 2025. This promising player has earned his spot in the Test squad, sparking a fascinating contest for the crucial number three batting position against another strong contender, Karun Nair.
Michael Clarke has lavished praise on Sai Sudarshan, calling him a potential superstar and suggesting that he should be promoted to bat at number three during the England tour. Clarke is impressed by Sudarshan’s confidence, which is soaring after a remarkable IPL season where he amassed over 700 runs. According to Clarke, Sudarshan’s batting technique and mental readiness make him an ideal candidate for this key batting position. Clarke even hinted that in time, Sudarshan could open the batting in India’s T20 and ODI formats, but for now, the Test arena is where he should shine.
On the other hand, Karun Nair also stakes a strong claim for the number three spot. Nair recently showcased his prowess by scoring a double century against the England Lions while playing for India-A. His innings was marked by aggressive strokeplay and complete dominance over the opposition bowlers, proving his ability to thrive in this batting position.
This sets the stage for an intriguing battle between Sai Sudarshan and Karun Nair for the pivotal number three spot in the Test lineup. While Sudarshan’s IPL heroics have thrust him into the spotlight and earned him the backing of experts like Clarke, Nair’s experience and proven success in this role cannot be overlooked.
During IPL 2025, Sudarshan opened the innings for Gujarat Titans and was the tournament’s top run-scorer for his team with 759 runs in 15 matches. Despite Michael Clarke’s endorsement of Sudarshan at number three in the Tests, Karun Nair’s deeper experience batting in that order gives him a solid advantage.
As the Test series approaches, the decision on who will wear the number three jersey will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. Will Sai Sudarshan’s meteoric rise and recent form earn him the spot, or will Karun Nair’s steady hand and past performances keep him in the role? This contest adds an exciting layer to India’s preparations as they look to secure a crucial series victory on English soil.
