Tamil Nadu's emerging talent, Sai Sundarsan, received his first selection in the Indian team on November 30, securing a spot in the ODI squad for the South Africa series and India A. The 22-year-old left-handed batsman, who left a mark in the IPL representing Gujarat Titans after an impressive domestic season, earned his debut selection for the three-match ODI series against South Africa.
Reacting to the announcement, the young cricketer, who delivered a striking 96-run innings for Gujarat Titans during the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL) final, expressed his overwhelming emotions, stating that words eluded him.
"It is a great feeling, and I am a bit lost for words. It is a dream come true for me, but at the same time, this is just the beginning, and there are many areas where I need to improve," shared Sai Sudarsan in an interview with Sportstar.
Acquired by Gujarat Titans for his base price of INR 20 lakh, Sudarshan emerged as a valuable asset for the franchise, earning recognition and subsequently a contract with Surrey for the final three games of the 2023 County Championship, marking his ascendancy in the cricketing realm.
"I learnt a lot playing in all these tournaments, and the exposure it has given me has helped me improve as a batter," remarked Sudarsan, reflecting on his brief stint in the County Championship. "But my first goal is to just focus on my match tomorrow (Friday) against Punjab and help the team qualify for the knockouts," he added.
Sudarshan Had A Fantastic IPL Season
In the IPL 2023 season, Sai Sudarshan's performance catapulted him into the limelight, establishing him as a standout batsman for Gujarat Titans. Amassing 362 runs in 8 matches, he had an impressive average of 51.71 and a strike rate of 141.4. He showcased versatility with three half-centuries, displaying the ability to adapt his game as per the situation.
India's ODI Squad for South Africa Tour:
Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan, Tilak Varma, Rajat Patidar, Rinku Singh, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (C)(wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Deepak Chahar.