"He could take on the role that Virat Kohli did" - Former England spinner picks next 'Superstar of Indian Cricket' ahead of ENG vs IND 2025 series

Former England spinner Monty Panesar backed young left-hander Sai Sudharsan to become the next 'Superstar of Indian cricket', replacing Virat Kohli. Panesar's prediction came after Sudharsan earned his maiden call-up to the Indian Test squad for the upcoming tour of England, starting June 20.

The 23-year-old is coming off an incredible 2025 IPL season, finishing as the Orange Cap winner with 759 runs at an average of 54.21 and a strike rate of 156.17 in 15 matches. The Tamil Nadu youngster has already played three ODIs and a T20I for India.

Predicting the next big thing in Indian cricket ahead of the England tour, Panesar told Inside Sport:

"There are some really good youngsters in the team at the moment. One particular batsman is a Surrey player, Sai Sudharsan. He looks very aggressive and fearless. He’s a player who’s done well in English conditions and for Surrey. I think he could be the next superstar of Indian cricket and take on the role that Virat Kohli did at number four."

Kohli retired from Tests last month after an incredible 123-match career, finishing with 9,230 runs and 30 centuries. The 36-year-old also retired from T20Is after India's 2024 World Cup triumph.

"Carry on the legacy of Virat Kohli" - Monty Panesar's advice to young Indian team

Monty Panesar urged the next generation of Indian cricketers to carry the legacy of Virat Kohli in Test cricket. The brilliant batting numbers aside, Kohli remains India's most successful Test captain, with 40 wins in 68 matches.

Under him, Team India never lost a home Test series and won their first-ever red-ball series in Australia in 2018/19. They also dominated the ICC rankings for most of his Test captaincy tenure, finishing runners-up in the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) in 2021.

"The one thing I’d like to do is carry on the legacy of Virat Kohli. The way he played Test cricket, I would like to see the young Indian Test play like that," said Panesar (via aforementioned source).

Skipper Rohit Sharma also announced his Test retirement a week before Kohli, leading to India appointing Shubman Gill as their new Test captain. The five-Test series in England will be his first assignment, starting at Leeds on June 20.