"I still remember, they didn't allow us inside the ground"- GT star Sai Sudharsan recalls how he would peek into Chepauk ground as a kid
Gujarat Titans star Sai Sudharsan will return to his home ground, MA Chidambaram Stadium, tonight for IPL 2023's Qualifier 1 match. Sudharsan was born in Chennai and plays domestic cricket for Tamil Nadu.
During an appearance on GT Inside Scoop ahead of the Qualifier 1 battle against the Chennai Super Kings, Sai Sudharsan spoke about his memories of playing at Chepauk.
He mentioned that the officials would not allow the U-10 and U-12 players inside the ground when he was a kid. Still, Sai used to peek into the ground through the small areas near the office and nets.
Recalling his U-10, U-12 days, the Gujarat Titans star said:
"Chepauk is always very close to my heart because from young age, you know from U-10, U-12, we used to have camps at Chepauk. And during the U-10, U-12 camps, I still remember they didn't allow us inside the ground. So, you know, there are some small, small ways near the nets and office area. So, I slowly walked into those areas and I peeked into the ground."
"It will be definitely special and emotional as well"- Sai Sudharsan talks about playing IPL 2023 Qualifier 1 in front of his family
Sudharsan is likely to feature in Gujarat Titans' playing XI for their match against the Chennai Super Kings later tonight. Sharing his feelings of playing such a big game at Chepauk, the GT batter continued:
"There are a lot of fond memories with Chepauk. To be honest, my first T20 game... I would say that game taught me a lot. It's a special feeling. If I go inside Chepauk, it's so nostalgic."
He added:
"My family will be there. People who support me will definitely be there. So it will be definitely special and emotional as well," he concluded.
Sai Sudharsan has scored 368 runs in 11 matches of his IPL career so far. It will be interesting to see how he performs in his first IPL game at his home venue.