Former India player turned veetran commentator Aakash Chopra has applauded Gujarat Titans (GT) opener Sai Sudharsan for playing a match-winning knock in their IPL 2025 match against the Rajasthan Royals (RR). He also added that the youngster equaled AB de Villiers’ record of scoring five consecutive fifties at a single venue as well. However, Sudharsan scored 82 runs off 53 deliveries as well.
While talking about GT’s batting in a video shared on his YouTube channel ‘Aakash Chopra,’ he said, “Sai Sudharsan needs to be spoken about because he has scored five consecutive fifties at a single venue. He has equaled AB de Villiers. It also includes a hundred, which came last year against Chennai (Super Kings). The way he is batting, he is absolutely sensational.”
“When you watch him drive, play the cut, flick, or pull, you feel what a player he is. He bats clean and is extremely elegant and technically compact. He is also one for the long haul and should play Tests and the longer format because his batting is pure. However, along with that, he was stepping out and hitting a four with a ramp shot. Then a scoop with a six,” Chopra again shared.
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“He doesn’t look ungainly while playing unconventional shots. He is someone who is doing 360-degree batting without you feeling that he is that adventurous. Sai Sudharsan is absolutely gold dust. He is batting extremely well. Hopefully, one day, he will be playing Test cricket for India is what I am thinking,” he further added.
In the same video, Aakash Chopra also praised the Gujarat Titans for not using Washington Sundar as an Impact Player in the match despite the all-rounder having smashed a 29-ball 49 in their previous game against SRH.
“Of course, Buttler and Shahrukh scored runs. Rahul Tewatia also scored important runs. Everyone played cameos, but Gujarat’s thought process is incredible. They made Washi wear his pads and sit. They were convinced that they would need a fast bowler and not a spinner later. So they kept him waiting,” he said.
“They kept taking the game deep and didn’t use him when he was not required. They said it was okay as they needed Kulwant Khejroliya and didn’t need a spinner at all. It requires clarity as he was coming after scoring 49 in the last match, and Washi can bowl as well. It’s a good masterclass on how you can manage the team with that consistency and clarity. Well done, Ashish Nehra,” Aakash Chopra concluded.
