In a dazzling ODI debut against South Africa, 22-year-old Sai Sudharsan showcased nerves of steel, scoring a brisk 55* off 43 balls and guiding India to victory in Johannesburg. Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan expressed his confidence in Sudharsan’s long-term potential, suggesting he could play for India for the next 10-15 years.
Pathan was effusive in his praise for Sudharsan’s debut performance, emphasizing the significance of such a display on a challenging South African pitch. “If someone bats like this on a South African pitch, you feel you have found someone who can play for the Indian team for the next 10-15 years. It is very early but still an exceptional start. The first four came off the first ball. So he started extremely well,” remarked Pathan.
Sudharsan’s inclusion in the squad was based on his stellar performances in the 2023 Indian Premier League and his standout contributions in domestic cricket. In IPL 2023 while representing the Gujarat Titans he has been phenomenal. Notably in the IPL final, he scored an impressive 96 against CSK solidifying his credentials for the national team.
Irfan Pathan lauds Sai Sudharsan’s maturity at crease
Further, Irfan Pathan delved into Sudharsan’s batting style, highlighting his maturity at the crease. “When you see him bat, he stays upright, plays the short ball well, uses his feet well, plays fast bowling and spins equally well off both the front and back foot, brings the sweep shot out, and then dances down the track to generate pace if a fast bowler doesn’t have the pace. So it seems like he is extremely mature,” added Pathan.
India’s captain, KL Rahul, had previously expressed confidence in the young players, emphasizing their backing to alleviate the pressure of international cricket. Sudharsan’s composed debut innings aligns with the team’s strategy of nurturing emerging talents, setting the stage for what could be a promising career for the young batter.
Here is how fans react to Irfan Pathan’s comments:
Yes, he has a potential!! pic.twitter.com/Rp7rEpbUvK
— CricWiz (@CricWizTalks) December 18, 2023
He surely can…
Dhoni hitting sixes for fun https://t.co/K9P2erbZyh
— Extraa Cover (@ExtraaaCover) December 18, 2023
Irfan Pathan sees long-term potential in Sudharsan for the Indian team. Predicts a future in the national squad on Star Sports in the next 10-15 years. Impressed by the batter's fearless debut demeanor
— United Indian (@TheUnitedIndia2) December 18, 2023
??? 15 ??? ?? ???? ???? ?? 15 ??? ?? ??? ???? ??? l
— Anup barnwal (@amethiya_anup) December 18, 2023
Correct. He is technically very sound. Very few players finish a game on their debut while opening. 55*?. Dream Debut Sudarshan pic.twitter.com/Yx501x966h
— Shivam Sopori?? (@shivamsopori) December 18, 2023
Irfan Pathan said, "Sai Sudharsan can serve the Indian team for 15 years". (Star Sports).
— HAFEEZ KHAN (@HAFEEZK51158740) December 18, 2023
Such a great batsman!! The future of India
— Deeksha. (@CrickettFanGirl) December 18, 2023
Too early to predict
— Sankott (@Iamsankot) December 18, 2023
Definitely ?
His skills and maturity is just on another level ??
— King Kohli's Fan (@ViratFan100) December 18, 2023
