'He is ready for bigger challenges'- Sunil Gavaskar praises GT's hero Sai Sudharsan after DC encounter

Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar reckoned that Gujarat Titans (GT) batter Sai Sudharsan has proven that he is ready for bigger challenges with his performance in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). Sudharshan, GT's first impact player, has delivered an impressive performance in their first two games in the cash-rich league. The 21-year-old was drafted into the playing XI in the absence of New Zealand star batter Kane Williamson.

Sudharsan scored an unbeaten 62 off 48 balls in the GT's IPL 2023 match against the Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Arun Jaitely Stadium in Delhi on Tuesday, April 4. He also emerged as the Player of the Match for his match-winning knock. Gavaskar was impressed with how the youngster built his innings and said he looked very composed throughout the match. 

“He looked very composed all through his innings. He was watchful at the start and gave Anrich Nortje respect and when his eyes were set, he played his shots against Nortje. He played smart cricket. With this performance, he's shown that he is ready for bigger challenges,” Gavaskar told Star Sports during a post-match discussion.

Sudharsan is an outstanding fielder, which is a big plus: Sunil Gavaskar

The cricketer-turned-commentator further stated that Sai Sudharsan should tell himself that he should repeat such performances more often. The 73-year-old added that the youngster must take such moves in order to reach that level. He added that he has a good temperament and is an excellent fielder.

“But he should tell himself that he needs to replicate such performances more often. He still needs to take those steps to reach that top level but he's got all the makings of being a great player. His temperament is good. He's also an outstanding fielder, which is a big plus,” he further added.

The Titans are at the top of the IPL 2023 points table after winning the first two matches. They will return to action on April 9 against the two-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the  Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.