IPL 2025: Sai Sudharsan After 82-Run Blitz: “We Were Clear on the Plan, and It Worked”

In-Form Southpaw IPL 2025: Sai Sudharsan After 82-Run Blitz: “We Were Clear on the Plan, and It Worked” Climbs to Second in Orange Cap Standings as Titans Dominate with Bat and Ball in Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad, April 10: Sai Sudharsan continued his red-hot form in IPL 2025, smashing a composed 82 off 53 balls to guide the Gujarat Titans (GT) to a 58-run win over Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Wednesday.

Striking eight fours and three sixes, the elegant left-hander was named Player of the Match for anchoring GT’s total of 217/6, a target that proved far beyond RR’s reach. With this knock, Sudharsan climbed to second in the Orange Cap race, now with 273 runs in five matches, including three half-centuries.

Speaking after the match, Sudharsan stressed the value of early momentum in a long tournament like the IPL. “IPL is a tournament where you need momentum at the start. It’s a joy to contribute and help the team win,” he told ESPNcricinfo.

Sudharsan also broke down his innings, saying he adapted to movement off the pitch early before accelerating as the powerplay progressed. “At the start, the wicket was seaming. We cannot take too much time, so we capitalised in the second half of the powerplay,” he said.

He credited GT’s success to their clarity in planning and executing under pressure. “There is awareness. We are clear on what to do. If we lose wickets early, a set batter plays through. If the platform is right, the hitters can explode at the end,” he added.

A technically sound batter known for his calm approach, Sudharsan credited his improvement to consistent work on fundamentals. “I’m always looking to improve my awareness and skill. I feel working on basics has made me a more versatile batter,” he said.

Earlier, Sanju Samson won the toss and opted to bowl. GT got off to a solid start despite an early loss, as Sudharsan combined with Jos Buttler (36 off 25) and Shahrukh Khan (36 off 20) to build momentum. Late cameos from Rahul Tewatia (24 off 12)* and Rashid Khan (12 off 4) pushed GT to a daunting total.

In response, RR crumbled under scoreboard pressure. Despite a spirited 52 from Shimron Hetmyer and 41 from Samson, they were bowled out for 159 in 19.2 overs.

GT’s bowling unit fired in unison, with Prasidh Krishna starring with 3/24, while Rashid Khan and Sai Kishore grabbed two wickets each. Kulwant Khejroliya, Arshad Khan, and Mohammed Siraj took one apiece.

The win not only boosted GT’s net run rate but also reinforced their position as one of the early contenders in this season’s title race.