‘I used to stand on road just to watch CSK team bus pass by our school’: Sai Sudharsan
The 24-year-old left-hander, who has been a part of the Gujarat Titans franchise since its inception in 2022, has become one of the most reliable batsmen in the IPL. He scored 362 runs in just eight matches in the 2023 edition at an average of 51.71 and a strike rate of 141.40.
He played a fluent knock of 47-ball 96 against CSK in the 2023 final; it was a hit that highlighted both his temperament and his ability to succeed on the big stage. He then scored his maiden IPL century in Ahmedabad in 2024, again against CSK.
Sudharsan said about his IPL 2024 century: “It wasn’t a conscious decision; it was God’s grace and it came at the right time. But spending time in the middle is always special, especially when I play against CSK because no matter what is said and done, for me there is a deep emotional connection with CSK.”
“I grew up watching CSK play. We would stop on the road just to watch the team bus pass in front of our school. These are wonderful memories. I am grateful to God that I was able to put in unforgettable performances against CSK,” he said while speaking on ‘JioStar’.
He soared higher in IPL 2025, clinching the Orange Cap with 759 runs at an average of 54.21 and a strike rate of 156.17. He has scored 554 runs in 13 matches so far this season at an average of 46.17 and has a strike rate of 157.83 with one century and six half-centuries.
“It’s actually very interesting. Honestly, I don’t look back at the past anymore because it’s already gone. What matters is now… Whatever I did yesterday serves no purpose for me today. I have to start the grind again from today.” And when tomorrow comes, I’ll start again. So I don’t worry or dwell on last season. “I’m trying to learn from it and stay as fresh as possible for next season or next day.”
He scored a whopping 100 off 58 balls in GT’s match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Bengaluru on April 24. He shared 128 runs with captain Shubman Gill for the opening wicket.
He said of his partnership with Gill: “Shubman is an absolute genius. He understands the game very well and is tactically very strong. He gives you the freedom to do whatever you want because you know Shubman is there.”
“And I think the opposite is also true, when he tries to go after the bowlers he knows I’m there and he can anchor the shots. I think we complement each other very well. We share a great relationship, we understand each other very well and we take turns accordingly.”
He touched on his slow start in IPL 2026 and whether he has any desire to change his game in T20 cricket.
“I don’t look at it as a weak patch or a phase where I didn’t score runs. It’s a learning experience for me to move forward, improve and get better. In an important tournament like this, it’s very important not to carry the residue of previous innings.”
“If you go into the match with memories of your previous performances in mind, it can eat away at you. That’s why I try to keep everything open as much as possible. If the match went well, yes we can carry the confidence, but if not, we try to keep our minds as fresh as possible for the upcoming matches.
“It’s also important to understand how the game evolves because T20 cricket changes so quickly. As batsmen we have to be versatile enough to adapt to the demands of the team or the situation. If we can achieve that, I think that’s the best thing.”
On Chris Gayle breaking the record for most runs in 50 IPL innings, he said: “When a record is broken it is an absolutely fantastic feeling and an important milestone to achieve because it confirms that we are heading in the right direction.
“I feel like these milestones and accolades have helped me believe in myself more, have more confidence in my abilities, and continue to improve on the same path.”
