Young batsman Sai Sudarshan has revealed his excitement about winning his first Test series with the Indian team and highlighted his inspirational journey with the team in the 5 matches so far in his career. He also hinted at his future role as India’s next No. 3 in red-ball cricket.
After Gautam Gambhir faced early criticism for his strategy completely failing in the red-ball format, India made a spectacular comeback in the longest format of the game. India missed out on a spot in the WTC final for the first time in 2025, but then came Shubman Gill.
The Indian youngster was appointed captain at the start of this WTC cycle, and he led by example, scoring runs and showing patience as well as aggression when needed. Gil Captain has developed into a great character with the band.
“I have learned a lot in these five matches and I am looking forward to improving,” said Sai Sudarshan.
Under the tutelage of Shubman Gill and Gautam Gambhir, Gujarat Titans batsman Sai Sudarshan made his Test debut in England after his stellar performance in IPL 2025. However, the batsman’s first series was not very successful. The captain backed him for the next series against West Indies and Sudarshan, although he did not perform at his best, still looked confident this time.
After making a stellar contribution to India’s win against West Indies in the second Test, the young left-hander has expressed his desire to contribute more to his national team.
Sai Sudarshan said, “Honestly, it feels really great. After a good series where we beat them (in England), it is special to come back to India and win the series.”
He admitted that he has learned a lot in the five matches he has played so far in his Test career, and his growing efficiency has been reflected in his batting as well, as the southpaw managed to score 87 and 39 in two innings against the West Indies in Delhi.
“I’ve learned a lot in these five matches and I’m looking forward to improving, and obviously doing more for the team. Understanding the role, understanding what the No. 3 needs to do, taking responsibility and learning how to bat in a risk-free manner (his learnings moving forward),” he said.
Sai Sudarshan displayed bravery on an awkward catch, saying, “I was very brave, you know, to hold my position.”
After sharing his learning experiences from the England tour as well as the recent matches against West Indies, Sai Sudarshan spoke about his courage and patience. He referred to the heavy injury he sustained on his chest after being hit by a ball from John Campbell’s bat.
The ball remained low and yet Campbell kept sweeping; Therefore, it is clear that nothing happened as per Sudarshan’s ideas. He has also thanked his luck for being saved this time.
Sudarshan was quoted as saying during the post-match interview, “I was very clear that he would not sweep (on the catch to dismiss John Campbell in the first innings), the wicket was low and I knew he would not play the sweep shot, so I was quite brave, you know, held my position. I was very lucky there.”
“The way he captains, and the way he gives confidence to the players, I think it’s really great” – Sudarshan on Shubman Gill’s captaincy
Lastly, Sai Sudarshan praised his Gujarat Titans teammate and captain, Shubman Gill. Sudarshan has played a lot of cricket with Gill in the IPL and has praised his abilities as both a batsman and team captain.
Sudarshan concluded, “I have played a lot with Shubi (Shubman Gill). The way he captains, and the way he gives confidence to the players, I think is really great. I am looking forward to getting more opportunities.”
Furthermore, reports have revealed that Sai Sudarshan has the support of captain Gill, who has shown great confidence in his abilities despite the poor returns.
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