Border-Gavaskar Trophy: India’s selection puzzle for the first Perth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia has become more complicated due to recent uncertainties. Rohit Sharma’s availability remains in doubt following the birth of his second child, while Shubman Gill’s thumb injury during match simulation at the WACA Ground has further muddied the waters.
With names like Abhimanyu Easwaran, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Dhruv Jurel, and Devdutt Padikkal being discussed as potential replacements, one name that has not received as much attention is left-handed batter Sai Sudharsan. Although Sudharsan has represented India in white-ball cricket with limited opportunities so far, his strong performances in domestic and international cricket make him a promising Test prospect for overseas conditions, especially in Australia.
A Promising Start To His International Career
Sai Sudharsan’s international career began on a high note, with solid performances in his initial outings. In December of the previous year, he impressed in his ODI debut series against South Africa, scoring two back-to-back half-centuries.
His highest score was 62, and in three matches, he accumulated 127 runs at an impressive average of 63.50, with a strike rate of 89.43. These early successes, particularly in challenging overseas conditions, give confidence that Sudharsan could adapt well to playing in Australia.
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Success In Overseas Conditions
In addition to his promising start in ODIs, Sudharsan has shown his ability to perform in tough overseas conditions in longer formats. His first-class career is already decorated with notable centuries in challenging environments. He scored a century against Australia A during their recent series in Australia, making 103 runs off 200 balls, with nine boundaries.
Although the match ended in a defeat for his side, Sudharsan’s century underlined his ability to score big runs in Australia. Furthermore, he scored 105 runs against Nottinghamshire in County Cricket this year, showcasing his adaptability to English conditions as well.
Making An Impact In Crucial Matches
Though Sudharsan has yet to play in high-pressure tournaments like a World Cup final, he has consistently delivered when it matters in other formats. His ability to perform in high-stakes matches across different competitions has earned him a reputation as a big-match player. For instance, during the 2023 IPL final between Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings, Sudharsan scored a blistering 96 runs from 47 balls, although his team lost.
He also produced a memorable century in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) playoff match for Lyca Kovai Kings (LKK), demonstrating his ability to shine under pressure. These performances highlight Sudharsan’s temperament and skill to excel in significant, high-pressure moments.
Strong First-Class Record
Beyond his international and domestic T20 performances, Sudharsan boasts a strong record in first-class cricket.
Here’s a table summarizing Sai Sudharsan’s first-class cricket record:
| Statistics | Numbers |
|---|---|
| Total Runs | 1,948 |
| Matches Played | 28 |
| Innings | 47 |
| Batting Average | 41.44 |
| Centuries | 7 |
| Fifties | 5 |
| Highest Score | 213 |
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