Gujarat Titans left-hander Sai Sudharsan has always carried a special kind of motivation when the Chennai Super Kings arrive. Long before he became a key batter in the IPL, the 24-year-old grew up watching his hometown franchise, often standing by the roadside just to catch a glimpse of the team bus as it passed his school. That emotional bond has only deepened with time, turning every CSK meeting into a chance to express himself at the crease.
From CSK memories to an IPL skill set
Sudharsan has been part of Gujarat Titans since the franchise’s launch in 2022, and over the years he has grown into one of the most reliable top-order performers in the league. His 2023 campaign set the tone for what followed: he amassed 362 runs in eight matches, striking at 141.40 while maintaining an average of 51.71.
That season also delivered a defining moment in the pressure of a final. Sudharsan struck a composed 96 off 47 balls against CSK in the 2023 summit clash, an innings widely seen as proof of his temperament and his ability to deliver on the biggest stage. The following year, he added another landmark by registering his maiden IPL century—again versus CSK—during the 2024 season in Ahmedabad.
Sudharsan on why CSK means more
Reflecting on his IPL 2024 hundred, Sudharsan described it as something that simply arrived at the right moment rather than the result of a calculated plan. He also stressed how playing CSK carries a personal weight that goes beyond cricket.
- He said it “wasn’t a conscious decision,” describing the innings as coming “at the right time.”
- He added that it is always special to bat in the middle, particularly when facing CSK because of the “deep emotional connection” he has with the franchise.
- He recalled how he grew up watching CSK and how he and others used to stand by the road to watch the bus pass their school.
- He expressed gratitude that he has been able to produce memorable performances against CSK.
Orange Cap form, current season numbers, and partnerships
Sudharsan’s influence climbed further in IPL 2025, when he posted 759 runs at an average of 54.21 and a strike rate of 156.17, ultimately winning the Orange Cap. His output in the ongoing season so far has remained strong as well: he has scored 554 runs from 13 matches, averaging 46.17 with a strike rate of 157.83. That tally includes one century and six half-centuries.
When asked about how he approaches the grind after setbacks or dips, Sudharsan emphasized staying rooted in the present. He said he does not focus on the past because it is already gone, and that every day requires a fresh start and renewed effort.
- He said he does not dwell on what happened earlier because yesterday’s work does not help today.
- He described the need to restart “the grind” from the current day and begin again when tomorrow comes.
- He said he focuses on taking learnings and remaining as fresh as possible for the upcoming season and games.
In a specific match that underlined his ability to anchor while still attacking, Sudharsan made exactly 100 off 58 balls for Gujarat Titans against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 24 in Bengaluru. In that game, he also built a 128-run opening partnership with captain Shubman Gill.
On his partnership with Gill, Sudharsan highlighted a clear understanding between the two batters—one that allows both to play their roles with confidence.
- He called Shubman “such a mastermind,” saying he understands the game deeply and is tactically strong.
- He said it gives him freedom to do what he wants because Gill’s presence is a constant.
- He added that when Gill goes after bowlers, he knows Sudharsan can anchor the innings.
- He said the pair complement each other well, share a great relationship, understand each other closely, and trade momentum based on the situation.
Adapting in T20, responding to form, and speaking on records
Sudharsan also spoke about his slower start in IPL 2026 and whether there is any temptation to adjust his approach in T20 cricket when runs are harder to come by. He insisted it should not be seen as a lean patch, but rather as a learning phase that helps him move forward.
He explained that in an intense tournament like the IPL, it is crucial not to carry the “residue” of earlier dismissals or failures into the next innings. Keeping the mindset open, he believes, allows confidence to come from execution rather than from memory of previous performances.
- He said he does not view it as a lean patch or a phase of not scoring runs.
- He described it as a learning experience to improve and get better.
- He stressed that it is crucial not to carry the residue of the previous innings into the next one.
- He said memories can “eat you up” if you enter a game with earlier performances lingering in your mind.
- He said they try to keep minds fresh, carrying confidence only when the game has gone well.
Sudharsan further underlined the need for versatility because T20 cricket evolves quickly. He argued that batters must be able to adjust based on what the team requires and what the match situation demands.
- He said T20 changes very quickly, so batters must remain adaptable.
- He believes the best approach is executing what the team and situation call for.
On the subject of breaking Chris Gayle’s record for the most runs in 50 IPL innings, Sudharsan said that reaching such milestones brings a strong sense of validation that he is moving in the right direction. He also added that milestones and accolades help him believe in himself, trust his abilities further, and continue improving along the same pathway.
