IND vs SA: Sai Sudharsan Can Play For India For Next 10-15 Years - Irfan Pathan
Published - 18 Dec 2023, 05:52 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:24 AM
Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has praised young batter Sai Sudharsan’s batting performance in the first ODI match against South Africa. Irfan Pathan expressed confidence in Sai Sudharsan’s ability to represent the India cricket team for the next 10-15 years.
Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has praised young batter Sai Sudharsan’s batting performance in the first ODI match against South Africa. Irfan Pathan expressed confidence in Sai Sudharsan’s ability to represent the India cricket team for the next 10-15 years.
Sudharsan showcased his batting prowess, scoring an impressive 55 runs from 43 deliveries, featuring nine boundaries. Sai formed an impactful 88-run stand for the second wicket with Shreyas Iyer after the early dismissal of Ruturaj Gaikwad, who scored just 5 runs.
Sai Sudharsan Started Extremely Well – Irfan Pathan
During a discussion on Star Sports, Irfan Pathan was impressed with Sai Sudharsan’s exceptional start to international cricket. He emphasized Sudharsan’s skills, such as playing the short ball effectively and using footwork well against both fast bowling and spin.
“If someone bats like this on a South African pitch, you feel you have found someone who can play for the Indian team for the next 10-15 years. It is very early but still an exceptional start. The first four came off the first ball. So he started extremely well,” Pathan told Star Sports.
“When you see him bat, he stays upright, plays the short ball well, uses his feet well, plays fast bowling and spin equally well off both the front and back foot, brings the sweep shot out, and then dances down the track to generate pace if a fast bowler doesn’t have the pace. So it seems like he is extremely mature,” he added.
Team India will take on the Aiden Markram-led side in the second ODI in Gqeberha on Tuesday, December 19. The Men in Blue will be hoping to secure the three-match series with one game remaining.
A Sligh Headstart On The Other Players – Irfan Pathan
Irfan Pathan highlighted Sai Sudharsan’s impressive List A record, notable performances in the IPL, and recent experience in county cricket. Pathan emphasized Sudharsan’s adaptability, noting his success in various positions and environments at a young age.
“His List A career has been fantastic, he has an average of over 60. Secondly, he has done very well in the IPL. Thirdly, he has just come after playing county cricket. When you combine all these things, at such a young age, he has got a chance to play in different places and positions and made the most of it.”
“Coming from a sporting family is a very big factor in Sai Sudharsan’s cricket because it gives you a different mentality. You get a slight headstart on the other players,” Pathan further added.
Sai Sudharsan made his debut for Gujarat Titans (GT) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. He showcased his potential, scoring 507 runs in 13 matches at an average of 46.09 and a strike rate of 137.03. The left-handed batter scored 96 runs in the final match.
