MSK Prasad Backs Sai Sudharsan, Kuldeep for England Tests; Calls Arshdeep ‘Out-of-the-Box’ Pick for Swing-Friendly Series

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The highly anticipated five-match Test series against England fast approaching, former India chief selector MSK Prasad has made a compelling pitch for the inclusion of three fresh yet impactful names-Sai Sudharsan, Kuldeep Yadav, and Arshdeep Singh-in India's touring squad.

The series, which begins on June 20, marks the dawn of a new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, and Prasad believes this is the perfect time for bold calls.

In a chat with PTI, Prasad said, "Sai has to be a part of this England series. Because this is the ideal time as the new WTC cycle is going to begin." The 22-year-old Sudharsan has been in sparkling touch in the IPL and brings a bonus to the table-experience of English conditions through his stint in county cricket.

While Ravi Shastri too recently endorsed Sudharsan's inclusion, Prasad laid out a well-rounded vision of India's squad. If Rohit Sharma continues to lead and open, Prasad suggested a flexible role for Sai. "If Rohit is part of the squad, then he opens alongside Jaiswal and Sai can be the back-up opener. I will leave it to the selectors to take that call. Sai might get his opportunity as the series progresses," he said.

In the spin department, Prasad backed Kuldeep Yadav as a match-winner in English conditions-unorthodox and dangerous even when the conditions favour seamers. "Jaddu, Washy and Kuldeep are three spinners for me. Jaddu is automatic pick, Washy as the all-rounder and Kuldeep is a match winner for me. I would not pick Axar Patel for this one," he explained. With R Ashwin having retired, Kuldeep's guile might well be India's trump card.

When it comes to the pace attack, there were no surprises in the names of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj. However, Prasad's call for Arshdeep Singh adds spice to the mix. "Arshdeep would be my out-of-the-box pick. In English conditions, you need a left arm seamer. This guy is able to move the ball both sides. He's bowling 135s. He's very, very confident today," he said, highlighting Arshdeep's control, maturity and county cricket background.

On the wicketkeeping front, it's Rishabh Pant who gets the nod from Prasad as the first-choice glovesman, with KL Rahul fitting into the middle order as a specialist batter. "Besides Gill, KL is another all-format player for you. Though Shreyas Iyer has done well in white-ball cricket, I won't pick him for England series," he added.

Among the seamers, Prasad also preferred Prasidh Krishna over Akash Deep as a potential fourth or fifth pacer, should the selectors go with a 15-member squad.

Another interesting suggestion came in the form of Andhra's Nitish Reddy, who impressed Down Under but hasn't bowled yet in the IPL due to fitness issues. Prasad, however, believes, "Compared to Australia, Reddy the bowler will be more handy in English conditions."

With England navigating life after the iconic pace duo of Stuart Broad and James Anderson, Prasad sees a real opportunity. "We have a very good chance of winning our first series in England since 2007," he concluded.