3 Sai Sudharsan knocks which prove that he has a bright future

IPL 2023 has entertained fans from all over the world with the quality of cricket on display. Since its inception in 2008, one of the hallmarks of the tournament has been its ability to unearth talented youngsters, some of whom have gone on to represent their respective countries.

Sanju Samson, Arshdeep Singh, Hardik Pandya, Rahul Chahar, and Umran Malik are all players who got their breakthrough via the IPL. This year too, we have seen a few youngsters grab their opportunities and announce themselves on the big stage.

One of them is 21-year-old Sai Sudharsan, who has shown glimpses of his talent and temperament in this year's Indian Premier League season. He has played a few promising knocks for the Gujarat Titans which speak volumes about his skill set.

𝙎𝘾𝙊𝙊𝙋𝙀𝘿 𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣! 👊🏻

#TATAIPL | #GTvSRH

Sai Sudharsan gets innovative against Jansen 🎥🔽 https://t.co/4ZTtRvCsYM

On that note, here's a look at three innings by Sudharsan which prove that he has a bright future:

#1 62* vs DC (IPL 2023)

In a game between the Gujarat Titans and the Delhi Capitals this season, DC scored 162 in the first innings. During the chase, Sai Sudharsan came to bat at number three for Gujarat Titans when they lost Wriddhiman Saha at 22/1 in the third over. Two more wickets fell (Shubman Gill and Hardik Pandya) in quick succession, but Sudharsan showed great composure as he scored an unbeaten 62 off 48 balls to take his side home.

Shudharsan smashed two maximums and four boundaries and hardly showed any nerves during his stay at the crease. In the process, he shared a 53-run stand with Vijay Shankar and another partnership worth 56 runs with David Miller. He showed great maturity and composure, never giving the Delhi Capitals bowlers a chance. He was the difference between the two teams and guided the Gujarat Titans to a comfortable victory.

#2 179 vs Hyderabad (Ranji Trophy 2022-23)

Hyderabad scored 395 in the first innings during a Ranji Trophy game against Tamil Nadu in December 2022. Sai Sudharsan, who opened the innings for Tamil Nadu in his Ranji trophy debut, smashed a magnificent century. He scored 179 off 273 balls with the help of 18 boundaries and a solitary six. He shared a phenomenal 204-run stand with fellow opener Narayan Jagadeesan, who himself scored a ton.

Sudharsan's knock helped Tamil Nadu take a lead of 115 runs after the first innings. In the second innings, Hyderabad were bowled out for 258, setting Tamil Nadu a target of 144 runs. There was not much time left, but Tamil Nadu decided to go for the target.

Sai Sudharsan smashed 42 off just 20 deliveries, including five sixes in the second innings. Eventually, the game ended in a draw, but he announced himself at the Ranji level.

#3 154 vs Arunachal Pradesh (Vijay Hazare Trophy 2022)

In a game against Arunachal Pradesh in the 2022 Vijay Hazare Trophy, Sai Sudharsan, along with Narayan Jagadeesan, went on a record breaking spree. They shared a record 416-run stand for the first wicket and helped Tamil Nadu post a mammoth score of 506-2 in 50 overs. Sudharsan smashed a 102-ball 154, striking 19 boundaries and two sixes during his stay at the crease.

One would expect to speak about 154 runs of 102 balls...But such was the innings from Jagadessan that, Sai Sudharsan's inning is almost unnoticed..

What a partnership.. Well played both ..tough day at the office for bowlers...

#VHT

Jagadeesan scored 277 off 141 balls and stole the show, but Sai Sudharsan played a spectacular innings himself. Arunachal Pradesh were knocked over for just 71, handing Tamil Nadu a 435-run victory.