What makes Sai Sudharsan a complete opener? The current highest run-scorer in IPL 2025 is redefining consistency at the top.
When you think of T20 cricket, the first names that usually come to mind are hard-hitting batters like Suryakumar Yadav or Hardik Pandya, known for their unorthodox shots, sheer power, and aggressive gameplay. The shorter format of the game has always been associated with explosive batting and wild strokeplay. But in this era of power-hitting, a new kind of batter is quietly making a name for himself, someone who is proving that classical batting can still thrive in T20s. That man is B Sai Sudharsan.
The early promise
At just 23 years old, Sai Sudharsan is already making headlines with his performances for the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. He has been a promising talent since his age-group days in Tamil Nadu, and he has now grown into one of the most reliable and elegant young batters in the league. In a game that favours big hitters, Sudharsan is reminding everyone of the beauty and effectiveness of orthodox batting.
His journey to the top began taking shape during the 2023 IPL season. Playing in only his second season, Sudharsan delivered a memorable performance in the final against Chennai Super Kings, scoring 96 off just 47 balls. Even though the Gujarat Titans lost that match, Sudharsan’s innings caught everyone’s attention. It wasn’t just about the runs; it was about the way he made them, graceful, composed, and full of intent. By the end of that season, he had scored 362 runs in just eight innings. He had arrived.
Read More: IPL 2025: GT’s Shubman Gill & Sai Sudharsan setting the bar high for openers
Building consistency
The following season, he went one step further. He became the fastest Indian to score 1000 IPL runs, achieving the milestone in only 25 innings. In 2024, he piled up 527 runs from 12 innings. Gujarat Titans didn’t hesitate to retain him for the 2025 season, and that faith has paid off in a big way. So far this year, Sudharsan has scored 617 runs from 12 innings, wearing the coveted Orange Cap for being the tournament’s leading run-scorer.
While many young Indian players have shone in IPL 2025, Sudharsan seems to have an aura around him. His presence at the crease is calming, and his batting has that rare combination of classical elegance and modern-day power. One of his finest moments this season came against Delhi Capitals when he remained unbeaten on 108, once again showing the kind of maturity and skill usually seen in far more experienced players.
A touch of grace
When you watch Sai Sudharsan bat, you can’t help but admire the touch of artistry in his strokeplay. Like many left-handers, his shots have a natural grace. His cover drives, late cuts, and flicks are a treat to watch. But he’s not just about elegance—he knows how to use his tall frame and timing to generate power. Whether it’s a pull shot or a lofted drive, he can switch gears effortlessly, making him a complete package for the T20 format.
Across 12 innings, his total of 617 runs out of GT’s cumulative 2,335 means he has contributed around 26.42% of all runs scored by the team. That’s a huge number in a team game, showing that Sudharsan isn’t just a consistent performer—he’s their X-factor.
Read More: Sai Sudharsan makes great case to be India’s all format pick
Finding confidence and clarity
After his century against Delhi Capitals, Sudharsan shared some insights into his mindset and improvement. “It feels great to help the team win,” he said at the post-match presentation. “Earlier in the season, I had a few chances to finish games but didn’t. During the break, I thought a lot about that, and today it paid off.”
He explained that while his technique hasn’t changed much, his mental strength and belief have improved. “I think the biggest difference now is the way I believe in myself. I’m getting better at reading match situations and choosing the right matchups. I’m also working on improving against spinners and learning how to finish better after the 15th over.”
Sudharsan also talked about his partnership with Shubman Gill, saying there’s a strong understanding between the two. “We talk a lot about running between the wickets and support each other,” he added.
Read More: India A members likely to break into main squad for England tour
Technique meets modern T20 craft
What sets Sudharsan apart from most young batters is his blend of old-school technique with new-age adaptability. His batting is built on a solid foundation, a high backlift similar to Brian Lara’s, a steady base, and nimble footwork. His soft bottom-hand grip gives him great control, allowing him to find gaps and pick singles effortlessly. His ability to play both front-foot and back-foot shots adds to his versatility. He can switch from a gentle push to a powerful pull in the blink of an eye.
His smooth transition between gears, scoring quickly when needed, but without taking wild risks, has earned praise from cricket analysts and coaches. He is constantly looking to improve. To work on his power game, he even trained with renowned power-hitting coach Shanon Young in Australia, refining his shot selection and increasing his hitting range.
Mental strength is another of Sudharsan’s key strengths. He doesn’t panic under pressure, reads the game well, and adjusts his strategy depending on the situation. His experiences playing abroad, including county cricket in England and for India A, have helped him grow into a more well-rounded and confident player.
A future in the India Test team?
With the recent retirement of Indian cricket legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, former India coach Ravi Shastri has called for Sai Sudharsan to be fast-tracked into the Test team. He’s already been named in the India A squad for the upcoming match against the England Lions and is widely expected to be a part of the senior squad for the five-match Test series in England.
For now, though, Sudharsan is focused on helping the Gujarat Titans in the IPL playoffs. In a recent interview, he spoke about how playing for Surrey in county cricket helped him mentally switch gears to red-ball cricket and develop patience. He’s working hard, staying grounded, and constantly thinking about how to get better.
Read More: IPL 2025, DC vs GT, Highlights: Shubman, Sudharsan make light work of 200 chase; GT into Playoffs
