Sai Sudharsan, the league’s current Orange Cap holder, has stated that he focused on “expanding his game” during the 10-day forced break in IPL 2025 after scoring his second IPL century.
Before the match against the Delhi Capitals, Sudharsan had already amassed five half-centuries and was at the top of the run charts with 509 runs in 11 innings. He was unable to turn any of his prior spectacular starts into three figures, though, since he was often getting out in the middle-overs phase. Following Gujarat Titans’ crushing 10-wicket victory over hosts DC, Sudharsan said he was proud of himself for playing the game to the end.
“It feels really good to always contribute to the team and make the team win. There’s a bit of joy when you finish games for the team,” the Player of the Match said after his unbeaten 108. “I feel I’ve missed quite a few times in the previous games. [In] the break which we got, I was thinking about that a bit more, and maybe that’s what paid off today.”
Both T Natarajan and Axar Patel were dismissed early on as the Titans sprinted to a 43/0 in only three overs in a chase of 200, with the southpaw scoring 35 off 13 deliveries. But Sudharsan sensed the momentum ebb and flow as DC bowled back. The left-hander claimed that it paid pay to avoid taking needless chances even if the next five overs only produced 31 runs.
“To be honest, after the first six [three] overs, for the next few overs they bowled really well. Then the momentum actually went down a bit [for GT]. But at that time, we took the game deeper. We were not desperate enough to take a lot of chances there. We were cool enough or calm enough in our mindset to take the game deeper. And after 12 overs, we got two or three big overs which sealed the game for us. I feel in previous games, [in similar scenarios] I took chances there and got out. So, I was aware enough to take the game deeper at that point in time and take right matchups and chances.”
Everyone can see the results of the Titans opener’s efforts to improve his mindset in between seasons. “To be honest, I’ve begun to believe a little more. From the perspective of my attitude, I believe that I have improved my belief in my ability to win games for the team, take the game deeper, and develop my batting skills. Based on the moves I’m making, I don’t believe my batting has changed all that much. However, I believe I’m a little more outspoken and free-thinking mentally.”
“When I look at the spinners – maybe I can get better in terms of striking the spinners naturally. Maybe I can work on that a bit more. And definitely after 15 overs, I have a lot of things to work on. So I’m keeping a check on that.”
Shubman Gill and Sudharsan, one half of the most successful Indian opening duo in any IPL season, having already scored 839 runs between them in just 12 innings. The southpaw attributed his record-breaking numbers to his understanding with his captain and opening partner.
“There’s a lot of understanding between us. When I go after the bowlers, he compliments me. And when he goes after the bowler, I compliment him. We rotate the strike really well. And for sure, we run really well. We both have a great understanding inside. So I feel the mid-overs, running is a very big vital thing for us to be out personally. But at the same time, we complement really well. And when I make some mistake, he definitely points that out, and it just makes me aware. And similarly, from my side as well.”
