IND vs ENG Tests: Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel likely to get picked for England tour

Sai Sudharsan and Dhruv Jurel. Pics/Getty Images

With India skipper and opening batter Rohit Sharma announcing his sudden retirement from Test cricket and uncertainty surrounding the availability of star batter Virat Kohli, the national selectors are looking at other options to build a strong batting line-up for India's upcoming five-match Test series in England, starting June 20.

It is learnt that the selectors are showing interest in left-handed top-order batter Sai Sudharsan, who has emerged as one of the top performers in the ongoing IPL, scoring 509 runs from 11 matches. The southpaw was also impressive during the India ‘A' tour of Australia last year, where he scored 127 runs in two matches, including a century.

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Also, middle-order batter Dhruv Jurel is being looked at as the second-choice wicketkeeper after Rishabh Pant. The 24-year-old came into the limelight during India's home Test series against England last year. He earned the Player of the Match award for his patient 149-ball match-winning 90 and an unbeaten 39 against England in Ranchi. With four Tests under his belt, Jurel is seen as a reliable back-up option who can also contribute with the bat.

Top-order batters Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul are likely to retain their places in the squad. The selectors will also be monitoring Bengal's Abishek Porel, who may be sent to England with the India ‘A' squad.