Sai Sudharsan—ready for the big leap?

• Sai Sudharsan’s productive strokes in IPL 2025 have been a highlight, but his downfall has also been a result of his poor performance.

• In his first home game against Royal Challengers Bangalore, Sudharsan’s attempt at a slower ball from Josh Hazlewood resulted in a bottom-edged loop that fell in Jitesh Sharma’s gloves.

• In the Eliminator match against Mullanpur, Sudharsan and his captain, Shubman Gill, carried most of Gujarat Titans’ hopes after Mumbai Indians piled up 228 for five.

• Despite being knocked over early by Trent Boult, Sudharsan carried on manfully, elegantly, and rapidly, keeping the 2022 champions in the hunt.

• In the final match against Mumbai Indians, Sudharsan missed a chance to scoop season debutant Richard Gleeson over the fine-leg fielder, resulting in a death knell for the Titans.

• Sudharsan’s performance in the IPL 2025 has been a testament to his understanding with Gill, which translated to upwards of 900 runs as an opening pair.

• However, his performance was not enough to save the Titans from a 20-run victory, which ended their campaign with three crushing losses.

• Sudharsan’s future is uncertain, with a Test tour of England ahead and a shift in focus from the white Kookaburra to the dark red Dukes.

• Sudharsan’s Test cap is expected to be received in Leeds, but his performance in the IPL and his approach to assembling runs will be crucial.

Sai Sudharsan’s Potential in Test Cricket

Sai Sudharsan’s First-Class Record

• Sai Sudharsan has a low first-class record of 39.93, with 29 outings for Tamil Nadu and other teams.

• He has played five Division 1 games for Surrey, including three in 2024.

• Despite his low average, Sudharsan has shown potential to merit a place in the starting XI as India transitions after the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

Sai Sudharsan’s Grand Opportunity

• Sourav Ganguly, a classy left-handed Indian, made his debut in Test cricket nearly three decades ago.

• Sudharsan is expected to occupy the slot of K.L. Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal in India’s Test cricket set-up.

• Sudharsan must learn on the job, a process that involves a five-Test series that examines skill, ability, mental fortitude, and the ability to bounce back.

Sai Sudharsan’s Core Group

• Alongside Gill, Jaiswal, and Rishabh Pant, Sudharsan forms the core group expected to take Indian Test batting forward.

• He is the second youngest of the younger group, behind Jaiswal.

• Despite his middling first-class record, Sudharsan is confident and ready to hit the ground running in Test match cricket.

Sai Sudharsan’s Approach to Test Series

• He will likely get at least one or two warm-up fixtures before the Test series, starting with a four-day unofficial ‘Test’ against England Lions.

• His unflappability in the face of pressure is evident, and he will approach the situation as if his Test career depends on it.