New Chandigarh, June 7: In the lone Test match against Afghanistan, Sai Sudharsan showcased his batting prowess with a solid innings of 81 runs off 104 balls. However, he expressed disappointment at missing out on a century.
Sudharsan acknowledged that he had a great opportunity to play a big innings but fell short. Despite this, he was pleased to contribute significantly to the team’s performance. He formed a remarkable partnership of 139 runs for the second wicket with KL Rahul.
Before the start of the second day’s play, Sudharsan spoke with broadcasters, stating, “I felt set, and it could have been a big innings. I am certainly disappointed, but I am genuinely happy to have contributed to the team.”
When asked about the transition from T20 to the longer format, Sudharsan remarked, “I don’t think it makes a significant mental difference for me. I play the game similarly, regardless of the format. It’s all about making decisions and minor technical adjustments, which we had three to four days to work on, helping me return to red-ball cricket effectively.”
He added, “We had videos to analyze, so I worked on that. I observed what the bowlers might bowl and how they could approach me. I was clear about my game plan and what I wanted to see when I stepped onto the field. It was more about maintaining mental clarity and trusting myself, which I believe helped me a bit more.”
Sudharsan emphasized the strong rapport he shares with Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill and the national team setup, currently led by head coach Gautam Gambhir. He said, “I believe our synergy is truly a blessing. The relationship we share is fantastic.”
He further noted, “A cricketer always seeks mental clarity and the freedom to play naturally on the field. When a player gains this confidence, they become free from past failures or future worries, focusing solely on the present. If a player receives such freedom, I think they are in the best position to express themselves and perform at their peak.”
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