Sai Sudharsan had a great 2023, paving the way for bigger and better things. From a thrilling 47-ball 96 in the IPL final for Gujarat Titans, to a century against Pakistan A in the Emerging Asia Cup and sealing the deal with Surrey in the English County Championship, the Sudharsan’s journey has been impressive. Just when it seemed like the year couldn’t get any better, he received his first call-up to the Indian cricket team last week, ahead of the IND vs SA series.
Sudharsan, 22, was selected in the Indian squad for the ODI series during their tour of South Africa, capping a crucial phase with his first international call-up. However, he didn’t expect to be called up and was surprised to learn his name was on the team.
Now that he is set to don the blue jersey and make his India debut in the IND vs SA series, his mantra is to adapt quickly.
“Joining the team is a huge honor. When I came into the team, I wanted to talk about cricket, the conditions in South Africa, adapt immediately and of course contribute to the team. he says.
“We are actually playing for the Vijay Hazare Trophy. So I was focused on the tournament and didn’t expect to get called up to India. It was a surprise, but I’m very happy. he added.
Despite narrowly missing out on South Africa’s squad for the 2020 U-19 World Cup, the Chennai youngster is ready to take on the challenge of unusual conditions this month. His progress since the defeat at the U-19 World Cup shows he is on the right track. Sudharsan is trying to adopt adaptability as his mantra as he prepares for the upcoming IND vs SA ODI series.
“This will be my first time in South Africa. I heard it would have good speed and bounce. I’m just going to prepare for it and hopefully go there to practice (practice). I don’t think there will be much change. The only thing that came to my mind was to go there and immediately adapt to the existing conditions. I’m excited about the challenge: first playing for my country and then touring abroad. Sudharsan added.
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Sai Sudharshan shines in domestic competition ahead of IND vs SA ODI
Sai Sudharsan has become one of Tamil Nadu’s most notable players since his debut in one-day cricket a few seasons ago. However, it was his incredible performance in this year’s IPL final that truly catapulted him into the limelight. These events not only demonstrated his knack for accelerating once he proves himself, but also his ability to thrive on the big stage without getting overwhelmed.
After this breakthrough, Sudharsan broadened his cricketing horizons by gaining experience in English conditions. He played two first-class matches for the Surrey team which eventually won the county title.
Sudharsan has made a significant contribution to white-ball cricket for his country, averaging an impressive 60.42 after 24 List A matches, with a remarkable strike rate of 96.28. Moreover, his performance in first-class cricket is also commendable, averaging 43.63 in 11 appearances. Sudharsan believes that this knowledge will be useful for him to face future challenges.
As Sudharsan is now part of the Indian team, he has a valuable opportunity to learn more from people he admires and respects. He expressed his joy at interacting with senior players like KL Rahul and Virat Kohli.
“Obviously Virat Kohli is the hero. KL Rahul will also lead (in ODIs). I want to talk to him about cricket. – he concluded.
ANDTeam ND vs SA ODI::
Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan, Tilak Varma, Rajat Patidar, Rinku Singh, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (C) (week), Sanju Samson (week), Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan , Arshdeep Singh, Deepak Chahar
