Sai Sudharsan with GT’s batting coach Matthew Hayden.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Batting partnerships are usually measured in numbers — runs, averages, strike rates. But for Sai Sudharsan at Gujarat Titans, the more compelling story lies beneath: influence, and how it shapes decision-making in real time. In his case, that influence is Shubman Gill.
Answering who’s had the biggest influence on his batting over a Zoom call on Friday, he said: “I think I should say Shubman Gill because playing alongside him and watching him play in the nets, I think I’ve learned a lot.
“It’s about having the game sense. Making the right decisions in the game — what we have to do, who we have to target. There are conversations around that — improving the game sense or game awareness. Like, how can we go about things when we are in a particular situation.”
He described his opening partnership with skipper Gill as one built on instinct and adaptability. “I think we focus a lot more on percentage — on reacting well rather than having any pre-determined notions. We have similar batting styles, and we both have our own ways of looking at things or tackling a situation. Sometimes, when I’m finding it difficult, Shubman comes to the rescue and that’s how our partnership goes.”
He added that their pairing can toggle between “maximising the PowerPlay” and “offering stability with controlled aggression” as required.
Reflecting on the Gujarat Titans environment, the 24-year-old emphasised its non-judgemental culture. “The biggest thing is that there are no judgements. People will not stop you from what you want to do. It is more expressive than people judging you for what you’re doing. It’s more of a trial-and-error kind, where you do what you want and learn from it,” he said.
With Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel and Gill already critical of the Impact Player rule, Sai Sudharsan termed it “a cheat code” that “changes team combinations,” but refrained from judging its merit.
Published – March 27, 2026 08:45 pm IST
