Mohammad Kaif said he was thoroughly impressed by Sai Sudharsan after the Gujarat Titans delivered a commanding eight-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings on Sunday. The result helped GT steady their campaign and, at the same time, piled on more frustration for a CSK side that has struggled for consistency. Sudharsan’s batting firepower came with a big assist from Kagiso Rabada, whose three-wicket spell restricted CSK to 158/7 in their 20 overs.
Quick facts
At a glance
- Match: Gujarat Titans vs Chennai Super Kings (Sunday)
- Result: GT won by 8 wickets
- CSK score: 158/7 in 20 overs
- Key bowling: Kagiso Rabada took 3 wickets
- Chase: GT chased 159
- Top knock: Sai Sudharsan 87 off 46 balls (4 fours, 7 sixes), strike rate 189.13
- Milestone moment: Sudharsan was dismissed in the 17th over; Jos Buttler finished with a six two balls later
- Kaif reaction: Praised Sudharsan’s technique, calculated risk-taking, and calm temperament
- Season context: Sudharsan leads the IPL 2026 Orange Cap race with 759 runs in 15 innings (average 54.21, strike rate 156.17)
In the chase of 159, Sudharsan took control early and kept accelerating, smashing 87 runs from just 46 deliveries. His innings featured four boundaries and seven maximums, and he maintained a strike rate of 189.13 throughout. While he anchored the run chase, he was dismissed in the 17th over, but the momentum didn’t dip—Jos Buttler sealed the contest with a six two deliveries later.
Kaif, an India great, shared his thoughts on X and highlighted the way Sudharsan played with composure against CSK. He pointed specifically to the opener’s technique and how it allows a batter to play the ball on merit while still taking thoughtful risks. Kaif also underlined the impact of the 87 off 46, noting the high strike rate of 189.
Why Sudharsan’s approach stands out
Kaif’s message was clear: Sudharsan’s game reflects sound fundamentals rather than short-lived improvisation. The GT batter, he felt, keeps his head steady, chooses options with purpose, and trusts his ability to execute under pressure. That blend of calm and aggression is what made the innings look so controlled despite the pace of scoring.
Sudharsan has indeed been in a strong rhythm this season, including a century in GT’s previous match. However, that earlier good form did not translate into a win, as Gujarat Titans went down to Royal Challengers Bengaluru by five wickets. Against RCB, Sudharsan struck 100 off 58 balls, finishing with 11 fours and five sixes at a strike rate of 172.41.
With runs continuing to pile up, Sudharsan currently tops the Orange Cap race in IPL 2026. He has amassed 759 runs in 15 innings, holding an average of 54.21 and a strike rate of 156.17. So far this campaign, he has also recorded one century and six half-centuries.
After the win, Sudharsan expressed satisfaction in the post-match ceremony, showing gratitude for the support and the atmosphere. He said he felt “very grateful” and was happy to be back at home, adding that he did not have many words but was overwhelmed by the crowd and thoroughly enjoyed the day.
He also explained how he has been viewing his batting through the season. Sudharsan described it as a confidence-building phase—taking positives from the previous innings and carrying them into the next—without fixating too much on whether he is scoring. Instead, he focuses on how the game is unfolding and trying to hit the right rhythm as it comes.
Looking ahead, Sudharsan said his plan is to time his hitting so the ball naturally comes later in the innings. He noted that the early part of the season had not been his best in terms of rhythm, but once he found that flow, things started to happen more naturally. On what he will do after the match, he joked that he would head to his favourite tea shop, spend time there with bun maska and chai, and hope to enjoy it.
