Sai Sudharsan, who plays in the Gujarat Titans lineup between Jos Buttler and Shubman Gill, is a quiet underdog. However, he makes a significant contribution that is both subtle and incredibly powerful. As the team’s top scorer thus far this season, he has the potential to become GT’s star player, surpassing both the league and more renowned players.
He played a characteristically disciplined knock on Wednesday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, being measured when necessary and resolutely aggressive when called upon. Even while his 82, which he struck at a strike rate of 153, wasn’t the most spectacular of his IPL efforts, it was significant enough to give his team a 58-run victory over the Rajasthan Royals and win him the match.
“He is a beauty,” the team’s assistant coach, Matthew Wade, said the broadcaster during a sideline interview. “He has been really helpful to us and is really outstanding. He is able to play under any kind of pressure. Regarding the opener, the Australian stated, “I’ll see him play for India in no time.”
Ravi Shastri told Cricbuzz, “No doubt,” confirming Wade’s findings. “Sai Kishore and Sai Sudharsan, the two Sais of Gujarat Titans, are both Indian products. When Ravindra Jadeja retires, left-arm spinner Sai Kishore can step in, then Sai Sudharsan can truly play all formats for India.”
Former India chief selector MSK Prasad concurred. “Why not? With a century in the Duleep Trophy, a double hundred in the Ranji Trophy, and a century for India A in Australia, he has been a reliable scorer in domestic cricket. Without a doubt, he is also eligible for the red-ball format. He is technically excellent and should be considered for the England tour. Sai Sudharsan has participated in one T20I and three ODIs thus far.
Over the last three seasons, the 23-year-old left-handed opener has shown remarkable consistency. His breakthrough season was IPL 2024 (Season 17), where he finished in the top six run scorers with 527 runs at a remarkable average of 47.91. The team decided to keep him on board as a result of his success. With 273 runs in five innings at an average of over 50, including three half-centuries and a score of 49, he has maintained that form this season and emerged as the team’s top scorer. Interestingly, he has scored half-centuries against seven of the league’s nine opposing teams.
He is only 15 runs behind Orange Cap holder Nicholas Pooran (LSG) as the league’s second-highest scorer this season. Sixteen (14), 103 (51), 74 (41), 63 (41), 49 (36), five (9), 65 (39), 84 (49), and most recently, 82 (in Ahmedabad on Wednesday night) are Sudharsan’s last nine IPL innings. In addition, he has broken into the Elite group, ranking second in the first 30 IPL games with 1307 runs, behind Shaun Marsh, who reached the milestone in the first four seasons with 1338.
“He has scored goals frequently in domestic competition, and I have no doubt that he will be given the chance. I’ve travelled around India a few times. He scored runs both in India and outside with a squad. The selectors will undoubtedly be examining him and his development. He will deserve his chances after the IPL,” stated Sairaj Bahutule, the spin-bowling coach for the Rajasthan Royals.
As wickets fell all around him, Sudharsan managed to maintain a manageable total by striking a delicate balance between aggression and patience. He was unfazed by the early loss of captain Shubman Gill, who was bowled by Jofra Archer at a thunderbolt of 148 kmph. With great poise and confidence, he dealt with Archer, who was blazing with the new ball, and he took advantage of scoring opportunities whenever they presented themselves.
Royals skipper Sanju Samson admitted that GT posted 15-20 runs too many, finishing at 217 for six. It was largely due to Sudharsan’s well-timed acceleration. Opening the innings, Sudharsan was involved in two seminal partnerships: an 80-run stand for the second wicket with Jos Buttler (36 off 25) and a 62-run partnership for the third wicket with Shahrukh Khan (36 off 20). He was the fifth man out, in the 19th over, with the score at 187 for five.
His placement was his innings’ most notable aspect. Only one of his eleven boundaries, which included three sixes and eight fours, was hit towards a fielder. At the point boundary, Sandeep Sharma smashed a booming six that soared over a leaping Dhruv Jurel. Through the gaps were the remaining limits.
He plays his shots on both sides of the wicket and has a good sense of the game. Even the shots behind the stumps, such as higher cuts, ramp shots, and scoops, are confidently performed. His strike rate has also increased. Earlier, he would go at around 140 strike rate, now he’s consistently around 155,” noted MSK Prasad. (This season, he’s striking at 151.67, and in this match, he scored at 154.71.)
“I am not surprised at all that he is getting this kind of result,” GT assistant coach Parthiv Patel stated. “He puts forth a lot of effort at work. On occasion, we have had to pull him out of the nets by hand. It is very easy to get carried away in this day and age when people say things like “you have to play at a certain strike rate” or “you have to hit so many sixes.” However, he supports the idea that he knows his game. That explains why he consistently delivers quality work.
Sai Sudharsan is aware of his responsibility to play deep for the team.
And on Wednesday night, he accomplished that flawlessly. “Winnings for the end was what we desired. We understand that the set batter must play for a long time if we lose early wickets,” Sai Sudharsan stated after winning Player of the Match. “Always a joy to contribute to the team’s win.”
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