Sai Sudharsan Leverages County Cricket Experience for Success in England

Gujarat Titans’ exit from IPL 2025 came after a 20-run defeat to the Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator match at the New PCA Stadium. Opener Sai Sudharsan expressed disappointment over the loss, finishing the tournament with an impressive 759 runs. While he did not confirm his availability for the India A squad’s upcoming Test series, he reflected on the challenges ahead as he shifts focus to red-ball cricket.

Sudharsan Reflects on IPL Exit

Sai Sudharsan was visibly upset after Gujarat Titans were eliminated from IPL 2025 by the Mumbai Indians. The match saw the Titans fall short by 20 runs, ending their campaign prematurely. Despite the disappointment, Sudharsan had a standout tournament, accumulating 759 runs, showcasing his potential as a key player for the Titans. Following the match, he addressed reporters, indicating that the team had anticipated leaving the IPL on June 4, which complicated his schedule for the upcoming unofficial Test match in Northampton.

Sudharsan stated, “In our minds, we were planning only to leave on the 4th, so we were not thinking about when to leave for the Test team.” He acknowledged the need to discuss his future involvement with the Test squad after the IPL exit. This transition from a high-stakes tournament like the IPL to international red-ball cricket poses its own set of challenges for the young player.

Experience from County Cricket

The 23-year-old cricketer is drawing on his experience from playing county cricket with Surrey last season. He noted that participating in seven matches significantly enhanced his batting technique and fundamentals. “It improved my batting multiple-fold in terms of technique and basics,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of mastering the fundamentals in cricket.

As he prepares for the upcoming five-match Test series, Sudharsan aims to leverage the lessons learned from county cricket. He said, “The most important lesson I have learned is that basics are the most important thing in batting.” His focus will be on integrating these basics into his game as he transitions back to red-ball cricket after a demanding three months of white-ball tournaments.

Challenges Ahead in England

Mumbai Indians’ head coach, Mahela Jayawardene, offered insights into the challenges Sudharsan will encounter in England. He praised Sudharsan’s abilities, stating, “I have enjoyed his batting. He plays good cricket shots and has a good head on his shoulders.” Jayawardene expressed confidence that Sudharsan would adapt to the unique challenges posed by English conditions.

Sudharsan himself acknowledged that the switch from white-ball to red-ball cricket would be a significant hurdle. He highlighted the necessity of adjusting his mindset and decision-making strategies for the longer format. “It is all about mindset and decision-making,” he explained. He is aware that transitioning back to red-ball cricket requires time to readjust, especially after a long white-ball season.

Looking Forward

As he readies himself for the Test series, Sudharsan is focused on applying the lessons from his IPL experience. He believes that the foundational skills he developed during his county stint will be crucial in tackling the challenges that lie ahead. “I think focusing more on basics and bringing those back to red-ball cricket will take some time,” he stated.

With some preparation time before the series starts, Sudharsan is optimistic about making a positive impact. His journey from a promising IPL performance to the international arena will be closely watched by fans and selectors alike, as he looks to build on his recent successes in the IPL and adapt to the rigors of Test cricket.

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