India’s rookie batter Sai Sudharsan has revealed that he has drawn inspiration from Washington Sundar ahead of the Test series against England. Both Sudharsan and Sundar are part of India’s 18-man squad for the upcoming five-match Test series.
Sudharsan and Sundar played together for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025 and also share the same dressing room while playing for Tamil Nadu in the domestic circuit.
While Sundar has played nine Test matches for India, Sudharsan is yet to make his Test debut. Sudharsan had bagged the Orange Cap in IPL 2025 after scoring 759 runs and he would look to carry the same form in the red-ball format. The left-hander also has the experience of playing in County Cricket.
Sai Sudharsan said in a video uploaded by BCCI, “Sundar been my inspiration since I was young. I’ve played a few games against him, so it’s always special. To be honest, we’ve looked up to him a lot. I’ve practiced once-twice (against Sundar) and the way he went up and the way he played for the country, it was really quick. So, I had that in my mind. It was great to see him. A few years of IPL, he did well in IPL, then he played for the country.”
“So, it was a great motivator for me from Chennai, from knowing him from young, playing with him, and it’s kind of an inspiration where it made me feel that I also want to do the same way. He has been my inspiration when I was young.”
On the other hand, Sundar said he is really happy for Sudharsan after the latter received a maiden Test call-up.
“A lot of my friends and my coaches as well have constantly spoken about his (Sai Sudharsan’s) growth, with his cricketing career. And he’s always grown, especially in the last three, four years and he’s only managed to get better every year.”
“In that case, I think every time I’ve watched him on TV, there was a lot to take away from him and his skill sets. And the kind of work ethic that he’s got, has definitely inspired a lot of kids, especially in Chennai, and I’m sure he’s going to continue to inspire so many more around the world,” he added.
The opening Test match between India and England will be played at Leeds, Headingley, from June 20 onwards.
