NEWS
Follow UsIn his two innings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, Sai Sudharsan scored 82 runs at a strike rate of 117, which is in stark contrast to what he did last year, having slammed his runs at 141. Once again, on Sunday (March 31) against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), he operated at a strike-rate 125 after the openers had put on 36 in 25 deliveries.
"It was a difficult wicket wicket to bat on. Not so easy to go after every bowler, every over. So, it's a matter of choosing the right bowler, getting maximum out of it, and taking the game deep with some wickets in hand," Sudharsan told the reporters after the game.
Gujarat Titans (GT) bounced back well after a 63-run defeat in the previous game against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to go to four points from three matches in the tournament.
The equation in the final five overs came down to 49 off 30, with David Miller struggling to get going after managing just 13 off 16 at that stage, while Sudharsan was striking at 115. SRH certainly had a sniff at that point. However, the introduction of Mayank Markande turned the complexion of the game as Miller took 24 off that over to reduce the equation to a mere run-a-ball.
"We were waiting for one spin bowler. There was one over to be bowled by a spinner at that point of time. So, it was a conscious decision to take down the spinner. It went our way, so grateful it went our way," Sudharsan, who put on 64 off 42 for the third wicket with Miller, said.
The southpaw, who recently made his senior debut for India against South Africa, feels that he has become more mature after playing several games at the highest level across different conditions.
"I feel playing more games - played for the country, played a few India A tours - it has given me maturity on how to go about things, and how to go about any situation. On those lines, last year to this year, I feel even [more] mature and responsible as well," Sudharsan said.
"Side by side skill is also getting better because we are getting exposed to difficult international conditions. So, I am getting a few points on what I should improve as a batsman and what I should improve as a cricketer. Just working on it and getting better."
For the 22-year-old, his batting boils down to taking the right decision at the right time. "I believe it's all about risk-taking decisions. For every format, the risk-taking ability or decision changes according to the situation and condition, whether it's a Test, ODI or T20. My perspective on it is all about taking risks at the right time," he said.
"Preparation is more often similar for all three formats. It's all about taking the right decision at the right situation. Whenever I come into a tournament, whether it's a day game, a 50-over, or a T20, I plan and prepare according to that.
GT welcome Punjab Kings (PBKS) to Ahmedabad next on April 4 (Thursday) in a bid to keep their home run intact.
