Sai Sudharsan leaks private chat with Gautam Gambhir: 'You’re one of India’s best players'

Team India batter Sai Sudharsan expressed gratitude towards head coach Gautam Gambhir for playing a major role in boosting his confidence during the recent Test series against the West Indies. Sudharsan recalled that Gambhir reassured him not to worry about scoring runs or selection pressure.

Sudharsan is currently in the team management’s plans as a long-term No. 3 batter in Test cricket. The left-hander was last seen in action during the two-match Test series against the West Indies. He has played five Tests so far, scoring 273 runs at a disappointing average of 30.33, including two half-centuries.

Gautam Gambhir Sir Called Me and Said, 'Don’t Get Desperate' - Sai Sudharsan

Sai Sudharsan credited Gautam Gambhir for helping him stay calm and confident during a crucial phase of his career. Sudharsan said that Gambhir advised him not to get desperate about scoring runs. He stated that the conversation gave him the freedom to express himself.

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“To be honest, support was impeccable. I can give an anecdote. We were practising in Ferozsha Kotla (ahead of the 2nd Test against the West Indies)," he said, as quoted by PTI.

“I was the last to nets, and GG sir called me and said: ‘Don’t get desperate, you are here because of so many reasons, you are one of the best players in the country."

“So, do not think about any other things or do not think about whether I have to score runs in this game or what will happen or what not. He told me, “you will play, and the way he told that to me gave me so much confidence and so much freedom," said Sudharsan.

The Perspective and the Environment Change Drastically - Sai Sudharsan

Sudharsan shared that Gautam Gambhir’s encouragement helped him let go of the pressure to score his maiden century. The southpaw stated that he focused on playing freely, without worrying about expectations or outside noise.

“I was trying to be more free, trying not to think about all the external factors and the magnitude, but when you hear it from the head coach, you suddenly get that freedom, the perspective and the environment change drastically."

Sudharsan is set to feature in two India A fixtures against South Africa A as part of his preparation for the upcoming two-match Test home series later this month.

India A Matches Are Very Important - Sai Sudharsan

Sai Sudharsan emphasized that he wants to perform well in the upcoming South Africa A series. He highlighted that the matches will be useful to adapt to conditions, refine strategies, and build momentum ahead of the main series.

“India A matches are very important and we are lucky enough to have it just before the main series so that we take this as a big opportunity and build up really well and understand the conditions and obviously, plan accordingly for the series," Sudharsan added.

Two matches between India A and South Africa A are scheduled to take place at the BCCI Center of Excellence in Bengaluru. The first match will commence on Thursday, October 30. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant will return to competitive cricket during the series.

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