From TNPL prodigy to the youngest Orange Cap holder, Sai Sudharsan’s rise has been rapid
There's a fresh wind blowing through Indian cricket. With the five-match Test series against England approaching, the Indian dressing room appears somewhat different this time. A new captain, Shubman Gill, takes the reins. Among the promising new faces is a tall, composed left-hander from Tamil Nadu—Sai Sudharsan—set to make his Test debut in English conditions.
For those who've followed Indian domestic cricket and the IPL closely, his selection isn't a surprise.
So, who exactly is Sai Sudharsan? Let's dive into the numbers, the journey, and the promise he carries with him.
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Sudharsan's cricketing story began in Chennai, where he made waves in the local league scene. In the 2019–20 Raja of Palayampatti Shield, he amassed 635 runs for Alwarpet CC, averaging 52.92. This is quite impressive for a teenager still learning the ropes of top-order batting.
Then came his domestic white-ball debuts. In November 2021, he played for Tamil Nadu in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, followed by the Vijay Hazare Trophy a month later. He caught attention early with his ability to hold one end up while keeping the scoreboard ticking—traits crucial in the demanding, long days of Test cricket.
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Since his first-class debut, Sudharsan has played in 29 matches, accumulating 1,957 runs at an impressive average of 39.93. He has already scored 7 centuries and 5 fifties, with a highest score of 213. These figures aren't just tidy numbers—they reflect consistency and temperament, particularly his ability to convert starts into significant scores.
On his Ranji Trophy debut, he scored 179 and followed it with 42 in the second innings against Hyderabad. That isn't a fluke—that's a foundation.
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A stint in English domestic cricket can either highlight your flaws or enhance your game. In 2023, Sudharsan played for Surrey in the County Championship, achieving a solid top score of 73.
Although his time there was short, it provided him with a glimpse of English conditions—swinging Dukes balls, seam-friendly surfaces, and overcast skies.
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Yes, we know what he did in the IPL. In 2023, he scored 96 off 47 balls in a high-pressure final. In 2024, he went a step further with 527 runs. Then came 2025—759 runs, one century, six fifties, and the Orange Cap. He became the youngest ever to score over 700 in a season. These figures emphasise one thing—he thrives under pressure.
Still, his calmness at the crease and ability to adapt his game support his case for red-ball cricket. Sai isn't just a T20 slogger; he's a batsman who constructs innings, respects conditions, and capitalises once set.
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In his brief ODI career thus far, Sudharsan has played three matches against South Africa, scoring 127 runs at an average of 63.50, including two half-centuries. In his only T20I appearance to date, he didn't get to bat—but the selectors clearly view him as a long-term all-format investment.
Sai Sudharsan's inclusion may raise a few eyebrows, but the statistics support him. He possesses the skill for it. He has faced the moving ball in county cricket and has stood firm in pressure situations.
Can he excel in the most challenging format under the most difficult conditions? Only time will tell. However, one thing is sure—India's latest Test debutant isn't merely here to make up the numbers. He's here to make them count.
