Sai Sudharsan Reflects on IPL Success and Prepares for England Test Tour
Gearing Up for the Test Series
After a couple of brief experiences in county cricket, Sai Sudharsan has come to realize that mastering the "basics" is crucial for batting, which has significantly boosted his confidence as he prepares for his first Test tour in England.
During the IPL, Sudharsan showcased his talent by scoring 759 runs with an impressive average of 54.21 while playing for the Gujarat Titans. Following his team's exit in the Eliminator against the Mumbai Indians, he is now shifting his focus to red-ball cricket.
Having played for Surrey in recent seasons, Sudharsan was anticipated to participate in the second India A match against England in Northampton starting June 6, but he remains uncertain about his availability. The Test squad is set to depart for the UK on the same day.
Reflecting on his county cricket experience, he stated, "I have played seven games in county cricket, which has greatly enhanced my batting skills, particularly in terms of technique. It reinforced the importance of the basics in batting."
Sudharsan acknowledged the challenge of transitioning from white-ball to red-ball cricket but feels confident with ample time to prepare before the first Test on June 20.
He noted, "After an extensive three-month white-ball tournament, my batting has inevitably changed. I need to focus on the fundamentals and adapt them back to red-ball cricket, which will take some time, but we have a good window before the series begins."
He added, "Initially, we planned to leave on the 4th after the IPL, without considering the timing for the India A or Test teams. However, we will need to discuss and adjust our plans accordingly."
Continuous Improvement as a T20 Batter
Sudharsan's elegant stroke play throughout the IPL season caught the attention of many, especially in a format often dominated by power hitters. His skill in finding gaps and rotating the strike allowed him to maintain a strike rate exceeding 150. He and Shubman Gill formed a formidable opening partnership during IPL 2025.
When asked about his chances of being selected for the India T20 squad following his impressive IPL performance, he replied, "Playing for the national team is a dream for everyone, and I would love that opportunity. However, I'm not focusing on that right now, as I recognize there are many areas I need to improve as a T20 batter."
He continued, "There are numerous aspects of the game I need to work on before my next T20 outing. My priority is to enhance my skills, and when the opportunity arises, I will strive to perform my best for the country."
Regarding his standout IPL season, Sudharsan expressed that individual success does not compensate for the team's failure to reach the finals. He stated, "While it's gratifying to have had a good season and to have been consistent, true satisfaction eludes you when the team doesn't achieve its goals."
He concluded, "There is a palpable disappointment within the team, especially considering how well we performed in the first 12 or 13 matches, which was a joy to witness from both inside and outside the team."