11 May,2024 03:30 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Sai Sudharshan (Pic: File Pic)
B Sai Sudharsan broke away from the mould of an anchor with a brilliantly crafted hundred against Chennai Super Kings. Sudharsan's heroic knock in the IPL 2024 match against CSK impressed the game greats like Graeme Smith and Tom Moody.
Until the match against Chennai, Sudharsan used to play at number three with a strike rate of 131.67. The promotion to the opening slot has suited him.
In the IPL 2024 match against Chennai, the left-hander scored 103 runs off just 51 balls with a strike rate of 201.96. His knock included 5 fours and 7 sixes. Following his performance, Graeme Smith said Sudharsan should be provided with more opportunities.
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"Sudharsan is so under the radar, he is the leading run-scorer for GT this season, the fastest Indian to a thousand IPL runs with a difference of six innings. He needs to start being spoken about a bit more," said Smith on JIO Cinema.
Also Read: IPL 2024 | "We were 15 short in terms NRR": Shubman Gill after win against CSK
Australia's former all-rounder Tom Moody heap praises on Sudharsan for maintaining his composure in the IPL 2024 match against Chennai. "The way this young player goes about his business is a joy to watch. He seems so calm under pressure. He seems to have the right answers at the right time.
"He knows when to go big to look for that boundary to take pressure out of an over and he seems to be able to keep pace with the game," said Moody.
Former South Africa skipper Smith lauded the partnership between Sudharsan and Shubman Gill that was worth 210 runs, joint highest for the opening wicket this season.
"The partnership was excellent, left-hand-right-hand combination, they ran between the wickets well; they picked their targets, and their matchups were just outstanding," he added.
Moody also underscored the importance of the alliance between Gill and Sudharsan. "The partnership was nothing short of extraordinary. They complemented each other exceptionally well, evident in their visible enjoyment on the field, as Gill expressed during the post-match presentation.
"This camaraderie is crucial for any backing and partnership," added Moody.
(With PTI Inputs)
