Ravichandran Ashwin Predicts ‘This’ Young Batter As The Future Star Of Indian Cricket
Sai Sudharsan (x.com)
In a stellar debut performance, Sai Sudharsan, the young opener from Tamil Nadu, showcased his exceptional talent by scoring an unbeaten fifty in his maiden ODI match against South Africa in the 1st ODI at Johannesburg.
R Ashwin, who has consistently praised Sudharsan, witnessed his fellow state cricketer's brilliant display of skills as he confidently amassed 55 runs off 43 balls, contributing significantly to India's commanding eight-wicket victory over South Africa.
Ashwin's Praise Proven Right as Tamil Nadu's Young Opener Shines on the International Stage
Ashwin, a vocal admirer of Sudharsan, has closely followed the cricketer's journey from the Ranji Trophy to the TNPL and finally to donning the Indian jersey. Sudharsan's impressive performance in the IPL 2023 season, where he scored 362 runs at an impressive average of 51.71, foreshadowed his potential on the international stage.
India's triumph was not solely dependent on Sudharsan's heroics; bowlers Arshdeep Singh (5/37) and Avesh Khan (4/27) also played pivotal roles in restricting South Africa to a modest target of 117. The one-sided match saw India comfortably reaching the target in just 16.4 overs, with Sudharsan anchoring the innings.
The debutant opener's unbeaten maiden half-century makes him the fourth Indian opener and the 17th overall to achieve this milestone on their ODI debut. Sudharsan's accomplishment, combined with a remarkable partnership with Shreyas Iyer, who scored a brisk 52 off 45 balls, contributed to India's emphatic victory.
India's 1-0 lead in the three-match series sets the stage for the second ODI in Gqeberha on Tuesday, with all eyes on Sudharsan to replicate his outstanding debut performance. R Ashwin's endorsement of Sudharsan's talent seems well-founded, as the young batter's poised and aggressive batting style has already captured the attention of cricket fans.
Despite a shaky start for India, with Ruturaj Gaikwad falling early, Sudharsan's partnership with Shreyas Iyer stabilized the innings. Iyer's aggressive play and Sudharsan's anchored approach resulted in an 88-run partnership off 73 balls. Sudharsan's maiden half-century, achieved in just 41 balls, showcased his ability to adapt to the international stage.
As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the second ODI on December 19 at Saint George's Park, Port Elizabeth, all eyes will once again be on Sai Sudharsan. Can the debutant opener duplicate his stellar debut performance and guide India to another victory or not?
 "Sumit Gupta")
