Indian Test top-order batsman B Sai Sudharsan has commended India coach Gautam Gambhir for providing him with unwavering support amid a difficult beginning to his Test career. In his maiden Test series on the England tour, the left-hander amassed 140 runs at an average of 23.33. Earlier this month, he only managed seven runs in his lone innings in the opening Test match against the West Indies in Ahmedabad.
A comforting chat with Gambhir helped Sai Sudharsan relax and restore confidence before the second Test in Delhi, where he acknowledged feeling a little pressure. With a powerful response, he hit 87 and 39 to help India win the match by seven wickets and end the series 2-0.
“The support has been flawless.” Following the Ahmedabad first game, we were rehearsing in the Feroz Shah Kotla nets. My exit from the nets was the last, as usual. I was contacted by GG [Gambhir] sir, who told me, “You are not becoming desperate.” Among the top players in the nation is you. Consequently, don’t consider anything else. Don’t worry about whether you need to score runs in this game or what would happen if you don’t,” Sai Sudharsan advised, according to ESPNcricinfo.
He said, ‘You’ll play.'” His delivery of that gave me a great sense of self-assurance and independence. I was attempting to be more self-reliant and stop considering the big picture or outside influences. But when you hear it directly from the head coach, the atmosphere and point of view completely shift. That also improved my ability to communicate. I was focused on fighting and winning for the team, dominating for the team, and not simply getting runs in that game [the second test], he continued.
According to Sai Sudharsan, his knocks against the West Indies in the second Test match provided him with much-needed confidence. The strain to live up to the legacy of some of India’s greatest No. 3 batters from the past, he said, is something he does not want to put himself through.
Game by game, inning by inning, I assess the circumstances and respond as best I can. Playing for India is quite competitive. Numerous outstanding cricket players have achieved success, are now achieving success, and will continue to do so. I’m not looking for a place to secure or seeking for a spot to cement. My goal is to win games and defend my team, which is why I play. “I enter with that mindset,” Sai Sudharsan remarked.
I obviously don’t want to play for myself, but when I consider securing a spot or playing for safety, I have a tendency to get defensive. To win one session at a time and change things there is how I approach it differently. That approach will result in runs,” Sai Sudharsan continued.
Recognizing the difficulties of batting at number three, Sai Sudharsan pointed out that he had mostly performed as an opener for Tamil Nadu in domestic cricket.
“I’m thankful for the chance, but it’s a huge responsibility. Third place is similar to an opening berth. To be honest, the change is not that great. “But when we play for India, we have to be on point, not just fill a spot, but be really ready for whichever spot we play,” Sai Sudharsan stated.
“We have excellent models. like the extremely versatile KL [Rahul] bhai, who has played in about every position. He has lessons for us. For all those problems, we must be prepared. I can’t say that I have a preference for either. In addition to playing frequently at number three in the IPL, I also batted at number three when I was younger in the Under-14 and Under-16 teams. So I like both. The difference isn’t that great,” he continued.
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