How has Sai Sudharsan evolved by watching Shubman Gill?

Synopsis
In an exclusive interview, Sai Sudharsan shares how observing Shubman Gill over three years has shaped his growth as a player. With a remarkable performance in IPL 2025, the young opener emphasizes teamwork and personal development while reflecting on his journey in the tournament. Discover his insights and aspirations for the season ahead.
Key Takeaways
- Sai Sudharsan credits his growth to observing Shubman Gill.
- He emphasizes the importance of teamwork and support.
- The Orange Cap is a secondary goal compared to team success.
- His performance in IPL 2025 has been remarkable.
- Emotional experiences shape a player's journey.
New Delhi, May 6 (NationPress) The talented opener for Gujarat Titans, Sai Sudharsan, expressed that he has experienced significant growth by observing Shubman Gill play over the past three years in the IPL.
Currently enjoying a stellar IPL 2025 season, Sudharsan has amassed 504 runs in 10 matches for Gujarat Titans, highlighted by five half-centuries. His exceptional form is a major contributor to Gujarat's success in the tournament.
"Throughout these three years, I've consistently admired Shubman. Whenever I encounter challenges during practice or when facing certain bowlers, I seek his advice on what I can improve. I've learned tremendously from him and by watching his game. He possesses a highly competitive spirit as a captain and has a keen understanding of player needs. He creates a supportive environment for players facing difficulties, enabling them to bounce back stronger. We've created many unforgettable moments together on the field, and I hope to add more this season," Sudharsan shared on JioHotstar's 'Gen Bold'.
The 23-year-old emphasized that the Orange Cap is merely a by-product of the journey. "Achieving runs, making an impact, and doing so with a commendable strike rate is where my responsibilities to the team lie. Consistency in helping the team succeed is paramount, and the Orange Cap is secondary. Focusing too much on it can hinder your potential, as individual goals may overshadow team objectives," he elaborated.
Sudharsan also reflected on the franchise’s belief in him and the sense of belonging that has fueled his consistent performance. "I’m grateful to Ashish Nehra, the support staff, and my teammates for their unwavering trust in me since my first year. Regardless of which team you’re part of, having a sense of belonging instills a sense of responsibility to give back. This foundational support has allowed me to express myself freely without judgment," he stated.
Looking back at the thrilling IPL 2023 final and his notable performance, Sudharsan remarked, "I've never witnessed a game as dramatic as the 2023 IPL Final. After being retired out in the prior qualifier, I had a whirlwind of emotions that taught me invaluable lessons. This experience influenced my approach to the final match. I felt a sense of freedom mixed with motivation, driving me to make a significant impact for my team."