Former Australian captain Michael Clarke said that Sai Sudharsan will be India’s new number three in Test cricket and one of the opening batters in white-ball cricket in future as well. Referring to him as a “superstar,” Clarke applauded his technique and felt that he was well prepared mentally as well. Notably, Sai won the Orange Cap in IPL 2025, smashing 759 runs in 15 matches at a strike rate of 156.17.

“To me, this kid is a superstar, Sai Sudharsan. I think he is a number three in Test cricket. I think he is probably going to open the batting in time in India’s T20I and ODI team. He is in their Test squad. He gets his first opportunity in England. “I think he can walk in straight to bat at number three. I think technically he’s very good, he’s got all the shots and mentally, he’s ready. He really impressed me and he’s a good looking player as well,” Clarke said on the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast.

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While Prasidh Krishna won the Purple Cap in the IPL 2025, Michael Clarke named left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav as the best bowler of the season as well.

“He wasn’t the leading wicket-taker, but to me Kuldeep Yadav. He should be India’s number one pick spinner. In England, he is my first pick spinner. He is playing he is a wicket-taker, he is an X factor. He was my bowler of the tournament. I think his reading of batters has improved out of sight. His courageousness to still the toss the ball up to attack to take the wickets. I loved watching him bowl and he bowled at the hardest times,” Michael Clarke concluded.