Speaking at the JioHotstar Press Room after delivering back-to-back impactful performances in the first week of the season, Sudharsan explained how his mindset has evolved over the past two years. From being seen as a promising youngster in 2022 and 2023 to becoming a pillar of Gujarat Titans’ top order, his transformation has been defined by maturity, preparation, and a willingness to adapt to ever-changing T20 demands.
“I feel it’s all about the situation for me,” Sudharsan said, reflecting on the challenges of modern T20 cricket. “If we have to go out there and chase a 270 or 280, or even a 300 total, you have to be versatile enough to do that. At the same time, you have to be able to grind if we’re defending a 140 or 150 score — especially when the wicket is very difficult.”
Such clarity doesn’t come easily, especially in a tournament like the IPL, where the pressure is immense and bowlers give little room for error. But Sudharsan has consistently shown the ability to read the surface, assess the match situation, and play accordingly. His innings have ranged from steady 40s and 50s in tricky chases to explosive knocks in powerplay bursts — each tailored to what the team requires in the moment.
His adaptability stands out even more in the context of how the IPL has evolved. With teams like Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) redefining the benchmark for aggression — they posted a jaw-dropping 286/3 against Rajasthan Royals in their 2025 opener — there's increasing pressure on all batters to go big from ball one. But Sudharsan believes the key is not to copy others blindly but to understand one’s own strengths and use them smartly.
“Yes. Cricket has evolved a lot, and teams like SRH with all their explosive batters have taught me a lot of things last year — how to improve and get better. But again, I feel it’s all about the situation,” he said. “There’s a lot to learn from those kinds of teams, especially how they pace their innings. But I try to stick to my process. If I try to play like someone I’m not, it can backfire.”
This thoughtful, measured outlook has been noticed by pundits and former players. Many are calling Sudharsan one of the most technically sound young batters in the Indian domestic circuit. He has also drawn comparisons to players like KL Rahul in his early years — classical stroke-makers who could accelerate when needed but always kept their heads in the game.
Sudharsan’s hunger to improve and his ability to learn from different situations and opponents have been crucial to his rise. Whether it’s high-scoring grounds like Ahmedabad and Hyderabad or slower wickets like Chennai and Lucknow, the southpaw has shown a toolkit that works across conditions.
Now, as Gujarat Titans prepare to face Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 6, the stage is perfectly set for a head-to-head between two contrasting batting philosophies. On one side, the brutal, all-guns-blazing style of SRH; on the other, the flexible, intelligent buildup of Gujarat Titans with Sudharsan likely at the center of it. Ifthe Titans are to pull off a win, Sudharsan’s innings could again be the foundation.
With his current form, cricketing IQ, and calm under pressure, Sai Sudharsan is not just playing a crucial role for his franchise — he's making a serious case for future national selection as well. In a landscape filled with flashy stroke play and T20 theatrics, his balanced, situation-aware game is proving to be a rare and priceless asset.
