Sai Sudharsan reflects on form, partnership with Shubman Gill and IPL milestones

“I don’t look at it as a lean patch or a phase where I’m not scoring runs. It’s a learning experience for me to move forward, improve, and get better. In an important tournament like this, it’s crucial not to carry the residue of the previous innings. It can eat you up if you enter the game with memories of previous performances lingering in your mind,” Sudarshan said on JioHotstar special show.

“So, I try to keep things as open as possible. If the game has gone well, yes, we can carry the confidence, but if it hasn’t, we try to keep our minds as fresh as possible for the upcoming games. It’s also important to understand how the game is evolving because T20 cricket changes very quickly,” he said.

“As batters, we have to be versatile enough to adjust to what the team or the situation demands. If we are able to execute that, I think that’s the best thing,” the star opener said.

On his partnership and understanding with captain Shubman Gill, Sudharsan said: “Shubman is such a mastermind. He understands the game so well and is tactically very strong. It gives you a sense of freedom to do whatever you want because you know Shubman is there. And I think it’s vice versa, when he tries to go after the bowlers, he knows that I’m there and can anchor the innings. I think we complement each other really well. We share a great relationship, understand each other very well, and take turns accordingly.”

On managing expectations and pressure in this season after winning the Orange Cap in IPL 2025, Sudharsan said: “It’s actually very interesting. I don’t look at the past anymore, to be honest, because it’s already gone. What matters is the present. There’s a very famous quote by Babe Ruth, ‘Yesterday’s home runs won’t win today’s games.’ That’s my motto because whatever I’ve done yesterday doesn’t serve a purpose for me today. I have to start the grind again from today. And when tomorrow comes, I’ll start fresh again. So, I don’t worry about or dwell on the last season. I try to take the learnings from it and remain as fresh as possible for the coming season or the coming day.”

On breaking Chris Gayle’s record of most runs in 50  IPL innings, Sudharsan said: “When a record is broken, it’s obviously a great feeling and a significant milestone to achieve because it validates that we are moving in the right direction. I feel those milestones and accolades help me believe in myself more, trust my abilities further, and continue improving along the same path.”

On scoring his maiden  IPL century against CSK in 2024, the opener said: “It wasn’t a conscious decision; I think it was the grace of God, and it came at the right time. But it’s always special to spend time in the middle, especially when I play against CSK because, whatever may be said and done, there’s a deep emotional connection with CSK for me. I grew up watching CSK play. We used to stand on the road just to watch the team bus pass by our school. Those are fantastic memories. I’m grateful to God that I’ve been able to deliver some memorable performances against CSK.”