Former England Cricketer Praises Sai During India’s Tour of England
Former England cricketer Alec Stewart has expressed high hopes for young Indian batter Sai Sudharsan, emphasizing his potential to thrive in Test cricket. Stewart admires Sudharsan’s ability to learn quickly and his impressive range of shots, deeming these traits crucial as he prepares for a Test debut on India’s five-match tour of England starting June 20, 2025. This series marks the beginning of India’s World Test Championship cycle under the leadership of new captain Shubman Gill.
Sudharsan’s Impressive Track Record
Sai Sudharsan has already made significant strides in his cricket career, having represented India in both ODIs and T20Is. His first-class statistics are noteworthy; he has scored 1,957 runs in 29 matches, maintaining an impressive average of 39.93. This record includes seven centuries and five half-centuries, with a personal best score of 213. His recent performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) further solidified his credentials, as he won the Orange Cap and the Emerging Player of the Season award by amassing 759 runs in just 15 matches at an average of 54.21. This remarkable achievement in the IPL demonstrates his readiness to transition into the longer format of the game.
Training and Adaptability in English Conditions
Sudharsan’s journey with Surrey began in 2023, a time when he had played fewer than 10 first-class games and was yet to make his international debut. His early training sessions in Guildford helped him acclimate to English conditions and familiarize himself with the Dukes ball. Alec Stewart, who recognized Sudharsan’s talent early on, praised his technique, particularly how he manages to play the ball late and under his eyeline, a critical skill in English cricket. Stewart pointed out that this approach allows Sudharsan to handle the seaming conditions effectively, which is essential for success on quicker pitches like those at The Oval.
Stewart noted that Sudharsan has a wide array of shots and is selective in his approach, allowing him to play effectively off the back foot. He is adept at handling short balls, employing both defensive and attacking techniques as needed. This adaptability is crucial as the young batter gears up for the challenges of playing in England.
Future Aspirations and Advice from Stewart
Alec Stewart has emphasized the importance of Sudharsan focusing on his unique style rather than trying to emulate someone like Virat Kohli. Stewart believes that Sudharsan should strive to be the best version of himself. His commitment to improvement is evident; he took Dukes balls home after his stint with Surrey to practice, demonstrating a proactive mindset. Stewart, who provided Sudharsan with these balls for practice, highlighted the young batter’s dedication and quick learning ability.
As India prepares for its five-Test series against England, Sudharsan’s inclusion in the squad is a testament to his growing reputation in the cricketing world. The series will run from June to August 2025, with matches scheduled in key cities including Leeds, Birmingham, London, and Manchester. Sudharsan is set to join a talented team led by Shubman Gill, which also features notable players such as Rishabh Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, and Ravindra Jadeja, among others.
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