Sai Sudharsan makes his One-Day International debut today (Sunday, December 17) against South Africa at the New Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. As opener Shubman Gill was rested for the 50-over series before of the two Tests, the left-handed batsman has been put in.
Sudharasan has appeared in 25 List A games, amassing 1269 runs at an amazing 60.42 average, including six tons and four half-centuries. The left-handed hitter recently played for India A versus South Africa A, scoring 14 runs. He did, however, hit 125 when representing Tamil Nadu against Goa in the 2023 Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Sai Sudharsan has also excelled for Gujarat Titans in his few appearances in the Indian Premier League. He has 507 runs in 13 games, including four half-centuries.
???? ???? That Moment when @sais_1509 received his #TeamIndia cap ???? from captain @klrahul! ???? ????
A moment to cherish for the youngster! ???? ????
Go well! ???? ????#SAvIND pic.twitter.com/opR6AP9h7Z— BCCI (@BCCI) December 17, 2023
Fans on X (previously Twitter) wished Sai Sudharsan well on his ODI debut. One user commented:
“Someone who have all been waiting for to watch in ODIs. Very keen to see how Sai Sudharsan goes at the top of the order for India!”
Here are some more reactions:
Debutants Sai Sudharsan and Nandre Burger in the spotlight as South Africa choose to bat in 1st ODI against India
South Africa captain Aiden Markram won the toss and chose to bat first against India in the first one-day international. The Proteas named newcomer Nandre Burger to their starting lineup.
During the coin toss, Markram stated:
“We are gonna bat first. Used wicket, we’d like to bat first, we are playing two spinners. It’s a fantastic day, hats off to the people. Hopefully, both teams can put on a nice show for them. Burger makes his debut – a special day for him. Opportunities are vital, none better than today.”
Aiden Markram
Meanwhile, India skipper KL Rahul made the following statement:
“There was a lot of spin and it was dry, we’ll try to put pressure on them. Sai Sudharsan is on debut today. There are a few names that have played a lot of IPL cricket. Ruturaj did well, Tilak seems exciting, and Sanju is always exciting. We’ve got Axar, Kuldeep who’d love to see some spin.”
KL Rahul