Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes Kane Williamson’s loss is an opportunity for young Sai Sudharsan to showcase his potential for Gujarat Titans in the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League. The 21-year played a match-winning knock against Delhi Capitals–scoring 62 runs off 48 balls.

In the post-match analysis, Irfan Pathan lauded Sai Sudharsan for his exceptional knock against Delhi citing the example of Sudharsan’s worth in the Tamil Nadu circuit, where he become the costliest player in TNPL history as he was bought for Lyca Kovai Kings for INR 21.6 lakhs.

“He became a good player in the TNPL as well. His salary in the TNPL is more than the IPL. It is extremely enjoyable to see the experience he has gained in the last year and someone’s loss is someone else’s gain,” Irfan Pathan said.

Irfan Pathan feels Sai Sudharsan can be handy for Gujarat Titans at the number three position replacing injured Kane Williamson, by providing the left-right combination in that middle order and giving stability in that batting lineup for Gujarat.

“If it is a loss for an international player because of him not being there, this young player has grabbed that chance with both hands. He is a left-handed batter, so the better he performs, he will come in very handy to maintain a left-right batting combination on pitches that help the bowlers while batting at No. 3,” Irfan Pathan added.

The Tamil Nadu opener was not part of the initial playing 11 against Chennai Super Kings later replaced Kane Williamson as the impact player, who injured himself trying to stop the ball by Ruturaj Gaikwad. With the New Zealand star ruling out the IPL 2023, Sudharsan might seal his spot at the Number 3 position.

Sai Sudharsan Backed Himself And Showed Self-Confidence – Yusuf Pathan

The 2011 World Cup winner Yusuf Pathan believes that Sudharsan did very well with his opportunity and showed his skillset at the highest level and added that the youngster played exceptionally well to take his team to the second consecutive win in the league.

“He backed himself and showed self-confidence. The way he built his innings in the first match and this match as well, it feels great when a youngster plays such a knock and comes not out after winning a match. So it will be enjoyable to watch him if he carries forward the confidence he gained from the first match and here,” Yusuf Pathan maintained.

Sai Sudharsan was rated very highly by the cricket experts, as he had a stunning domestic season for Tamil Nadu in both white and red-ball formats, he also made a record-breaking ODI opening partnership along with Narayan Jagadeesan.

Gujarat Titans will take on two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders in their third game on April 9, at the famous Narendra Modi Stadium.