DC vs GT: Sai Sudharsan impresses Anil Kumble, earns praise

When captain Hardik Panday scored on Khaleel Ahmed’s last power play ball against the Delhi Capitals, the Gujarat Titans were in trouble. After losing openers Wriddhiman Saha (14), Shubman Gill (14) and Hardik (5), GT were 55/3, chasing 163 for victory. The defending champions required a partnership, but the run rate was not a significant issue. A young Sai Sudharsan, extended his hand.

In the absence of the seasoned Kane Williamson, who was ruled out of the tournament due to a knee injury, the 21-year-old from Tamil Nadu has been assigned the difficult task of batting at No. 3 for GT. Additionally, the left-handed pitcher delivered. In IPL 2023, Sudharsan scored 62 from 48 deliveries, including four boundaries and a few sixes, to help his team win consecutive matches. In company of David Miller, the 21-year-old scored 56 runs, remaining unbeaten on a 16-ball 31.

The mature innings played by Sudharan were praised by everyone. Anil Kumble, a cricket legend from India, was greatly impressed by the child’s temperament. The former captain of India also praised all-rounder Vijay Shankar (29), who shared a crucial 53-run partnership with Sudharsan for the fourth wicket.

“Today, it was 3-down and all the big stars were gone. Shubman Gill was gone, Saha got out, and his captain Hardik Pandya got out. Both the Tamil Nadu guys (Vijay Shankar and Sudharsan) got together and put together a partnership. Gujarat has always created that aura about themselves ‘we’ll restrict you to 160 and get that’. With an impact player, it makes it even easier for them. Sai Sudharsan constructed the innings perfectly,”

Kumble said on Jio Cinema.

Former Indian wicket keeper-batter Parthiv Patel was in awe of Sai Sudharsan’s compact technique

“Sudarshan is 21 years old. He’s been playing First Class cricket for the last two years. If you watch him bat, you’ll think he is a very technically correct player. He doesn’t try to smack the ball. There are benefits to him having played last season as well and when you play for a winning team, it changes your mentality. You know that you have players that can create some room and manage a game, which gives you a little time. He showed great maturity with the way he was batting tonight, and this will benefit him in the future.”

said Patel.