'IPL 2021 auction snub turned Sai Sudharshan obsessed to upgrade'

NEW DELHI: In a world enamoured with intent, impact and sixes off every ball, Gujarat Titans (GT) batter Sai Sudharsan bears shining testimony over the importance of another aspect, which is as vital if not more: Consistency.

Sudharsan has scored fifties in five out of his last seven IPL matches, missing out on his sixth half-century by just one run. The 23-year-old Tamil Nadu batter occupies the second position on the run-scoring charts (186) in IPL 2025 , trailing Nicholas Pooran (189) by just three runs after three matches. Not only this, Sudharsan has recorded the most runs by an Indian (1220) following 28 innings in the IPL, during which he's been dismissed for a single-digit score only once.

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However, this level of success requires an intense routine which the cricketer maintains through thick and thin. The 23-year-old batter was left extremely disappointed after failing to make it to the IPL 2021 player auction shortlist, turning him obsessed towards upgrading his skills in T20 cricket.

"From a batter maintaining a strike rate of 100-110, he developed a desire to become someone who can bat at a strike rate of 150. Sudharsan understood the important dynamics of IPL like facing pacers who bowl at 140-150 kph and worked really hard in that direction," said former Tamil Nadu captain R Prasanna during an exclusive interaction with TimesofIndia.com.

"He has unbelievable work ethics and a routine for everything, be it fitness, diet, batting or bowling. I have never seen him take a break. His routine starts at 5.30 in the morning at the gym and goes on for eight to 10 hours. Sudharsan is consistent in each and every match purely because of his work ethics. He was overweight when we first met back in 2016 during a summer camp in Dindigul and wasn't very agile on the field. I mentioned the need to work on his fitness as well as upskill in the batting department during a discussion with Sudharsan's mother. Look at the way he sprints and his mental toughness as a batter currently," he added.

Prasanna credited former Tamil Nadu head coach M. Venkataramana, CSK all-rounder Vijay Shankar and RCB mentor Dinesh Karthik for the cricketer's growth and steady progress.

"He didn't get to play any game during his first season in the Ranji Trophy back in 2020. The team management didn't feel Sudharsan was ready for red-ball cricket. Venkataramana handled him really astutely in such a scenario, giving him confidence and mentoring him well, thrusting importance on fitness. Shankar told him, 'Just be expressive. You are a 100% cricketer for us'. Karthik also guided him with inputs which enhanced his maturity. CSK's assistant strength and conditioning coach Arun KR too played a major role in helping Sudharsan become fitter," stated Prasanna, who also served as the assistant coach of the Tamil Nadu cricket team.

Venkataramana termed the 23-year-old batter as a very good listener and a quick learner, terming it as a key factor behind his success.

"IPL has given Sudharsan freedom to improve his range of shots. Earlier, he used to be more technical and play more traditional shots while building an innings. Hitting the ball to mid-wicket astutely is one of those shots he has executed well consistently. Sai now has a wide range of shots and pulls them off to great effect," he stated.