SA v IND 2023-24: "Sai Sudharsan can play for Indian team for next 10-15 years" - Irfan Pathan

Sai Sudharsan made a terrific debut for India in 1st ODI, scoring 55* in victory.

Sai Sudharshan | Getty Images

Former Indian all-rounder and cricket expert, Irfan Pathan, is really impressed with the young talent, Sai Sudharshan, who is currently on the South Africa tour with the Indian cricket team.

Sai scored his maiden international fifty in his debut for Team India in the opening ODI of the three-match series against South Africa on December 17. 

Despite having played just one international match so far, Pathan believes that Sai has the potential to be a long-term player for India.

Irfan Pathan said on Star Sports: “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.”

Read Also: SA v IND 2023-24: South Africa’s Andile Phehlukwayo and Ottniel Baartman to miss rest of India ODI series

Speaking about Sudharshan’s technique, Pathan noted: “When you see him bat, he stays upright, plays the short ball well, uses his feet well, plays fast bowling and spin equally well off both the front and back foot, brings the sweep shot out, and then dances down the track to generate pace if a fast bowler doesn’t have the pace. So, it seems like he is extremely mature.”

He signed off by saying, “His List A career has been fantastic, he has an average of over 60. Secondly, he has done very well in the IPL. Thirdly, he has just come after playing county cricket. When you combine all these things, at such a young age, he has got a chance to play in different places and positions and made the most of it.”

(With Star Sports/PTI Inputs)

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 19 Dec, 2023

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