Star left-handed player Sai Sudharsan had a debut to remember for Team India, as he remained unbeaten on 55*, taking the Indian team to a comfortable win in the opening game of the three-match series against South Africa by eight wickets in Johannesburg on Sunday as well. He also shared the emotions of achieving his dream of playing for the country.

Sudharsan told Star Sports: “It is amazing first to play for the country and then contribute for the team as well. I think every small kid who started playing cricket started wanting to play for the country and do their best for the team. So, I think, I had a great outing there first time.”

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He further added: “It was a wonderful feeling, and I love that culture of giving caps wherever. I started getting the caps in Tamil Nadu. I have a separate hanger in my house to keep every cap, whichever I get from the huddle. KL Bhai (Rahul) giving it is definitely special.”

However, South Africa were bowled out for just 116 in their first innings, courtesy of the fast bowlers. Later, Sai Sudharsan explained his process of getting used to with the conditions in South Africa and how he prepared accordingly as well.

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“I felt it settled a bit, but it was still a pretty different wicket to bat on. It was difficult to get going, but we had good communication between us, so it helped us adjust to the conditions as well. It is a bit different from India, with a little bit of extra bounce. So before I came here I tried to talk to many former cricketers who played in South Africa and tried to get as much information I could before coming here. I played an India A game as well, so I had some time to adjust with it (conditions),” Sai Sudharsan concluded.