The Indian cricket team is undergoing a significant transition, particularly in its Test squad, with the England series on the horizon. With stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli stepping away from the red-ball format, new leadership and batting lineups are being forged. Amidst all the speculation, a former Indian star has made a surprising pick for the opening slot, excluding the regular contenders, Shubman Gill and KL Rahul.

Shubman Gill, who has been named the new Test captain, was widely expected to open the innings, partnering with Yashasvi Jaiswal. KL Rahul was also a strong candidate, given his experience and recent form. However, former BCCI selector Venkatapathy Raju has thrown a curveball, suggesting a different strategy altogether. Raju believes that Sai Sudharsan should open the innings alongside Jaiswal.

Sudharsan has been making waves in domestic cricket and the IPL. His consistent performances and solid technique have impressed many, and Raju believes he has the temperament to succeed in Test cricket. "So you've got Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, and Karun Nair. You can choose from these three in that opening slot," Raju stated, highlighting the options available.

This selection would mean a shift in positions for Gill and Rahul. Raju envisions Gill solidifying the No. 3 spot, providing stability and experience to the top order. As for Rahul, the former selector suggests he could strengthen the middle order by occupying the No. 4 position. "I think Gill can be no. 3. ... Gill can be No. 3, and No. 4 can be KL Rahul. So that adds a little more strength in the batting," he explained.

While this is just one opinion, it carries weight given Raju's experience as a former selector. His suggestion reflects a strategic approach to maximize the team's batting potential. By promoting Sudharsan to open, India could benefit from his fresh approach and ability to build long innings. Gill's move to No. 3 would allow him to dictate the tempo of the game, while Rahul at No. 4 would provide stability and experience in the middle order.

The England Test series will be a crucial test for the new-look Indian team. With a young captain at the helm and several fresh faces in the squad, India will be aiming to make a strong statement. The opening partnership, in particular, will be under scrutiny. Whether the team management decides to go with the experienced Gill-Jaiswal combination or the unconventional Sudharsan-Jaiswal pairing remains to be seen. Regardless of the decision, the focus will be on building a solid foundation for the innings and setting the tone for the rest of the match.