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‘Can Play For India For Next 15 Years'- Irfan Pathan Predicts Big Future For Sai Sudharsan

image-lqb1ekasSai Sudharsan in action against SA in first ODI (x.com)

Rising star Sai Sudharsan celebrated his international debut with a match-winning half-century against South Africa in Johannesburg earlier this week. His innings, coupled with wicket-taking spree from speedsters Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan powered Team India to a comfortable eight-wicket win and a 1-0 lead in their three-match series.

After the match, former Indian all-rounder and active commentator Irfan Pathan backed Sudharsan to become a long-term playing XI prospect for the ‘Men in Blue’. Pathan even claimed that the 22-year-old has the potential to represent his country for the subsequent 15 years in international cricket.

Irfan Pathan hails Sai Sudharsan for debut performance

Sai Sudharsan scored a brisk 55* off just 43 balls, and formed an 88-run partnership for the second wicket with senior man Shreyas Iyer to lead India to an easy win over South Africa in the first ODI.

His match-winning performance prompted commentator Irfan Pathan to make a huge claim about the youngster. Pathan predicted that Sudharsan is someone who can play 15 years of international cricket for Team India, and signified the value of scoring runs on tough South African surfaces. While speaking on the Star Sports Network, the former all-rounder said:

“If someone bats like this on a South African pitch, you feel you have found someone who can play for the Indian team for the next 10-15 years. It is very early but still an exceptional start. The first four came off the first ball. So he started extremely well.”

Sai Sudharsan was selected for the Indian team on their ODI tour of South Africa owing to his splendid run in List A cricket. The elegant left-hander averages over 63 across all 50-overs matches, and has also emerged as one of the batting mainstays for Gujarat Titans in the IPL.

Sudharsan will now be seen donning the Indian colors in the second ODI of their three-match series against South Africa on December 19. The much-awaited fixture will be hosted by Port Elizabeth.