Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has praised Sai Sudharsan for his enterprising yet technically sound knock in Gujarat Titans’ (GT) victory over Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 2025. Chopra believes that Sudharsan’s game is perfectly suited for Test cricket and sees him as a future prospect for India in the longest format.
Sudharsan played a brilliant knock, scoring 63 runs off 41 balls, as GT set MI a target of 197 runs in Match 9 of IPL 2025 in Ahmedabad on Saturday, March 29. The Gujarat-based team then restricted Hardik Pandya’s side to 160/6, securing a 36-run victory.
In a video on his YouTube channel, ‘Aakash Chopra,’ the former India opener lauded Sudharsan for scoring at a quick pace without resorting to unorthodox shots.
“Sai Sudharsan is truly impressive with the bat. He’s destined for Test cricket. His style constantly reminds us that a solid technique doesn’t slow you down; rather, it gives you freedom and prepares you for executing a wide range of shots,” he remarked (15:40).
“Three shots he played really caught my attention. First, he came down the pitch and executed a beautiful straight drive off Trent Boult. It was a fantastic shot. Then, he flicked a ball aimed at middle stump for a four towards midwicket. Lastly, he launched a straight six off a spinner,” he observed.
“This guy is exceptional. The way he hits the ball, piercing the two fielders in the deep, is remarkable. He batted brilliantly. Gill got off to a solid start, Buttler also made a good beginning, and there was a touch of flair towards the end, leading them to a total of 196,” Chopra added.
Shubman Gill contributed 38 runs off 27 balls, forming a 78-run opening partnership with Sudharsan. Later, Sudharsan and Jos Buttler (39 off 24) added 51 runs for the second wicket, ensuring that GT finished close to 200 runs, even though they lost several wickets in the final stages of their innings.