Ranji Trophy 2022-23: Sai Sudharsan reveals his bond with Washington Sundar since school cricket days

Tamil Nadu cricket has grown leaps and bounds with a lot of talents coming up through the TNPL in recent times and Sai Sudharsan is one of them. The 21-year-old revealed a story from his cricket experience in school where he met Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar as an opponent. He noted his admirance for Sundar and explained the way the latter encouraged him throughout his journey.  

"There's a little story. I was around ten when I started playing cricket seriously.” 

"He was playing for St Bedes and I was playing for DAV school. That was the first time I met Washy (Washington Sundar), and he hit a century. I used to bowl legspin at the time and from that day onwards, I've always liked him and admired him a lot.” 

“After that game, I remember I was crying and Washy came and consoled me. Enakku Washy na romba pidikkum (I like Washy a lot). I also remember the TNPL put up that social post when I made my debut and then I realised my batting is similar to him," Sudharsan further said. 

Sai Sudharsan set for fearless approach 

The left-hander amassed 610 runs in eight games in the recent Vijay Hazare Trophy 2022-23 and carried his form into Ranji Trophy where he scored 179 in the first innings on his debut innings against Hyderabad.

The youngster hit a 20-ball 42 in the second innings with five sixes while chasing 144 in 11 overs until bad light stopped play. Speaking on his impressive debut, Sudharsan highlighted on how he handled the pressure and the ability to neglect the stage fright.  

"I might have had stage fright when I was younger, but I feel that I've learnt to become calmer now and deal with pressure better." 

"I actually didn't think much about pressure, I was just happy to make my Ranji Trophy debut. I've played Syed Mushtaq Ali and Vijay Hazare for Tamil Nadu but you always dream of playing Ranji Trophy as a kid. I didn't feel the stage fright and only the enjoyment of making my Ranji debut was there." Sudharsan told ESPN Cricinfo. 

Sudharsan further noted about his maiden IPL stint with the Gujarat Titans helped his confidence in the build-up to the domestic season.  

"Yes, bringing the IPL experience to domestic cricket has been very useful. When you handle various situations and pressure at that level, you feel like you've faced these situations [in domestic cricket] before. So, I feel that has given me more clarity playing this season," he added.