Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra showered praise on Sai Sudharsan after Gujarat Titans secured a comprehensive 58-run win against Rajasthan Royals at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Wednesday.
Sudharsan continued his rich form, scoring a match-winning knock of 82 runs off just 53 balls with the help of eight fours and three sixes . The left-hander scored his seventh IPL fifty of his career and completed the milestone off 32 balls to help GT post 217 runs on the board.
The southpaw is currently the second-highest run-getter in IPL 2025 as he has scored 273 runs in five matches at an average of 54.60 and a strike rate of 151.67.
Sudharsan also equaled former RCB batter AB de Villiers’ record of scoring five consecutive fifties at a single venue.
“Sai Sudharsan needs to be spoken about because he has scored five consecutive fifties at a single venue. He has equaled AB de Villiers. It also includes a hundred, which came last year against Chennai (Super Kings). The way he is batting, he is absolutely sensational,” Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.
The renowned commentator said Sai’s batting is pristine and backed him to play Test cricket for India.
“When you watch him drive, play the cut, flick, or pull, you feel what a player he is. He bats clean and is extremely elegant and technically compact. He is also one for the long haul and should play Tests and the longer format because his batting is pure. However, along with that, he was stepping out and hitting a four with a ramp shot. Then a scoop with a six,” Chopra observed.
“He doesn’t look ungainly while playing unconventional shots. He is someone who is doing 360-degree batting without you feeling that he is that adventurous. Sai Sudharsan is absolutely gold dust. He is batting extremely well. Hopefully, one day, he will be playing Test cricket for India is what I am thinking,” he added.
The former KKR batter hailed GT’s think tank for keeping Washington Sundar on the sidelines despite him scoring a fine 49 in the last game. Against RR, GT used Kulwant Khejroliya as an impact sub, who dismissed Riyan Parag.
“Of course, Buttler and Shahrukh scored runs. Rahul Tewatia also scored important runs. Everyone played cameos, but Gujarat’s thought process is incredible. They made Washi wear his pads and sit. They were convinced that they would need a fast bowler and not a spinner later. So they kept him waiting,” he said.
“They kept taking the game deep and didn’t use him when he was not required. They said it was okay as they needed Kulwant Khejroliya and didn’t need a spinner at all. It requires clarity as he was coming after scoring 49 in the last match, and Washi can bowl as well. It’s a good masterclass on how you can manage the team with that consistency and clarity. Well done, Ashish Nehra,” Chopra observed.
Gujarat Titans will next take on Lucknow Super Giants at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow on Saturday.
