Team India batsman Sai Sudarshan expressed gratitude towards head coach Gautam Gambhir for playing a major role in boosting his confidence during the recent Test series against West Indies. Sudarshan recalled that Gambhir had assured him not to worry about scoring runs or the pressure of selection.
Sudarshan is currently in the plans of the team management as a long-term No. 3 batsman in Test cricket. The left-handed batsman was last seen in action during the two-match Test series against West Indies. He has played five Tests so far, scoring 273 runs at a disappointing average of 30.33, including two half-centuries.
Gautam Gambhir sir called me and said, ‘Don’t be discouraged’ – Sai Sudarshan
Sai Sudarshan credits Gautam Gambhir for helping him stay calm and confident during the crucial phase of his career. Sudarshan said that Gambhir advised him not to despair about scoring runs. He said the conversation gave him the freedom to express himself.
“To be honest, the support was impeccable. I can give one anecdote. We were practicing at the Ferozesha Kotla (before the second Test against West Indies),” he was quoted as saying by PTI.
“I was last at the nets, and Jiji sir called me and said: ‘Don’t be discouraged, you are here for many reasons, you are one of the best players in the country.’
“So, don’t think about anything else or don’t think about whether I have to score runs in this game or what will happen or what not. He told me, ‘You will play,’ and the way he told me, it gave me so much confidence and so much freedom,” said Sudarshan.
Huge change in perspective and environment – Sai Sudarshan
Sudarshan shared that Gautam Gambhir’s encouragement helped him reduce the pressure of scoring his maiden century. The left-hander said he focused on playing freely, without worrying about expectations or outside noise.
“I was trying to be more independent, trying not to think about all the outside factors and magnitude, but when you hear it from the head coach, you suddenly get that freedom, the perspective and the environment changes drastically.”
Sudarshan is set to feature in India A’s two matches against South Africa A as part of preparation for the upcoming two-match Test home series later this month.
India A matches are very important – Sai Sudarshan
Sai Sudarshan stressed that he wants to perform well in the upcoming South Africa A series. He highlighted that the matches will be useful in acclimatising to conditions, refining strategies and building momentum ahead of the main series.
“The India A matches are very important and we are lucky enough that it is right before the main series, so we take it as a big opportunity and prepare really well and understand the conditions and obviously plan for the series,” Sudarshan said.
Two matches between India A and South Africa A are scheduled to be held at the BCCI Center of Excellence in Bengaluru. The first match will start from Thursday 30 October. Wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant will return to competitive cricket during the series.
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