Sai Sudharsan Shines for Gujarat Titans with Consistency and Class in IPL 2024:

Positioned between high-profile names like Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler, Sai Sudharsan quietly leads the Gujarat Titans' batting unit. Despite flying under the radar, he's currently the team's top run-scorer and has established himself as a key figure in GT’s campaign this season.

Match-Winning Knock vs Rajasthan Royals

On Wednesday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Sudharsan delivered a calculated and composed innings of 82 off 53 balls, striking at 153, guiding GT to a 58-run win over Rajasthan Royals. His performance was pivotal in lifting the team’s total to 217/6 and earned him the Player of the Match award.

Backed by Coaches and Experts

Matthew Wade, GT’s assistant coach, praised Sudharsan’s adaptability and temperament.

Ravi Shastri labeled him as “India material,” highlighting his all-format potential.

MSK Prasad cited his domestic form – centuries in the Duleep Trophy, Ranji Trophy, and India A – as reasons for his inclusion in upcoming national tours.

Sairaj Bahutule, RR's spin coach, said selectors are likely monitoring his progress closely.

Consistent Performer Across Seasons

At 23 years old, the left-handed opener has showcased remarkable consistency:

In IPL 2024, he has scored 273 runs in 5 innings, averaging over 50 with three half-centuries.

Across his last nine IPL innings, he has scores of: 65, 84, 6, 103, 74, 63, 49, 5, 82.

He ranks second in the league’s scoring chart, just 15 runs behind Nicholas Pooran.

He has become the second-fastest to 1300 IPL runs in the first 30 matches (1307), just behind Shaun Marsh (1338).

Technically Sound and Tactically Smart

In the match against RR:

Sudharsan built two key partnerships: 80 with Jos Buttler and 62 with Shahrukh Khan.

He managed placement over power, with 11 boundaries (8 fours, 3 sixes), almost all directed between fielders.

He handled Jofra Archer’s pace with confidence and played a mature innings despite the early loss of Shubman Gill.

Improving Game with Each Match

This season, Sudharsan is striking at 151.67, a noticeable improvement from previous years.

His ability to play all around the wicket, including ramp shots and scoops, adds versatility to his game.

Coaches note his strong work ethic, with Parthiv Patel mentioning how difficult it is to pull him out of the nets during practice.

Focused on the Team’s Goals

Sudharsan is aware of his role and is determined to anchor the innings when needed. "We wanted to have wickets for the death. We have the awareness that if we lose early wickets, the set batter has to play long," he said after the match.