Sanjay Manjrekar applauded debutant Sai Sudharsan for his stunning knock in the first ODI between India and South Africa at the New Wanderers Stadium on Sunday. Highlighting Sudharsan’s amazing domestic record, Manjrekar stated that these players are well-prepared for the international challenge. He also added that the future of Indian cricket is in safe hands because of such youngsters as well. Notably, Sudharsan remained unbeaten on 55 off 43 balls and helped India chase down 117 runs and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series as well.

During a discussion on ESPNcricinfo after India’s comfortable eight-wicket win, Manjrekar said: “He (Sai Sudharsan) drives off the front foot, pulls off the back foot, and the front stride comes down the pitch quite well. So, it is just another indication of the kind of health Indian cricket is in because these guys have brilliant List-A records as well. We do not look at it so much before the guy actually plays for India, but somebody who averages 60 and has a strike rate very high—these are guys who are prepared.”

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However, Sai Sudharsan came into the news following a stunning season with Gujarat Titans (GT) in this year’s Indian Premier League. The 22-year-old talented player scored 362 runs from eight outings at an average of 51.71 as well. He also has good numbers in domestic cricket, averaging 42.15 and 63.04 in First Class and List A cricket, respectively as well. Sanjay Manjrekar also added that Indian youngsters are capable of transitioning easily into international cricket as well.

“Currently, there is an Indian dressing room which is filled with confidence and depth that anybody who comes in, it is like how West Indies or Australia when they were on top. They just came in and seamlessly became a part of the mainstream international cricket and the team,” Sanjay Manjrekar concluded.

The second ODI of the series will take place at St George’s Park in Gqeberha on Tuesday, December 19.