Irfan Pathan believes Sai Sudharsan may be a long-term possibility for India following an outstanding knock on his international debut in unfamiliar South African conditions.
The Men in Blue knocked out South Africa for 116 after they chose to bat first in the opening ODI on Sunday in Johannesburg. Sudharsan then hit an unbeaten 55 off 43 balls as the visitors knocked down the meager goal with eight wickets and 33.2 overs to spare, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Irfan Pathan was asked about Sudharsan’s knock during a talk on Star Sports, and he responded:
“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.”
Irfan Pathan
The former India all-rounder emphasized the southpaw’s well-rounded style. He elaborated:
“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.”
Irfan Pathan
Sudharsan hit nine fours in his 55-run innings. After his opening partner Ruturaj Gaikwad was knocked cheaply, he shared 88 runs for the second wicket with Shreyas Iyer (52 off 45).
“He has got a chance to play in different places and positions and made the most of it” – Irfan Pathan on Sai Sudharsan
Irfan Pathan emphasized that Sai Sudharsan benefited from a variety of experiences early in his cricket career. He went on to say:
“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.”
Irfan Pathan
The former cricket player turned commentator continued by saying that the 22-year-old’s family’s history in sports has also aided in his effort. He declared:
“Coming from a sporting family is a very big factor in Sai Sudharsan’s cricket because it gives you a different mentality. You get a slight headstart on the other players.”
Irfan Pathan
Pathan believes that the Tamil Nadu batter was given the opportunity to play for India at the perfect time. He went on to say that, barring an early lbw reprieve, the elegant batter appeared to be in fantastic control.