Former England spinner Monty Panesar backed Sai Sudharsan to be India’s next superstar in Test cricket. Sudharsan has the experience of playing in County Cricket as he played for Surrey.

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.

“The one thing that I want this Indian team to do is carry on the legacy of Virat Kohli. The way he played Test cricket. I would like to see the young Indian team play like that,” Panesar told InsideSport.

Panesar, who played a key role in England’s series win on the 2012 India tour, said Sudharsan can take Virat Kohli’s role at number four.

When asked if there is anyone who could become the next Virat Kohli, Panesar said, “Yeah, there are some really good youngsters in the team at the moment, and one particular batsman is the Surrey player. He played for Surrey as an overseas – Sai Sudharsan. He looks very aggressive; he looks fearless; he’s a player who has done well in English conditions, and he has done well for Surrey. So I think he could be the next superstar of Indian cricket and take on that role of what Virat Kohli did at No. 4,” he added.

Sudharsan is expected to bat at number three in the upcoming Test series against England. The southpaw would want to deliver consistently in the tough conditions. The opening Test match between India and England will be played at Leeds, Headingley, from June 20 onwards.