'Someone who can play for Team India for next 10-15 years': Irfan's big prediction for IND youngster

The India vs South Africa 1st ODI turned out to be extra special for Sai Sudharsan, as he not only made his ODI debut in the match but also played superbly well to register his maiden half-century. The left-hander opened the innings along with Ruturaj Gaikwad, and after witnessing the dismissal of his partner, he complimented Shreyas Iyer aptly to form a match-winning stand of 88 runs. Sudharsan went unbeaten at 55, as India beat South Africa by 8 wickets.

3 things you need to know

• India beat South Africa by 8 wickets
• Arshdeep Singh was adjudged the player of the match for picking up a 5-for
• India take a 1-0 lead in the series

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Irfan Pathan is all-praise for Sai Sudharsan

The Sunday proved to be a fun day for Team India as the Men in Blue aced the Proteas in every department. In the bowling section, Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan ran riot on the batting line-up of SA, and when it came to batting, the top order handled it well to chase down the meagre target of 117 within 17 overs.

While Arshdeep Singh is receiving praise from all around, Sai Sudharsan is also getting popular mentions from ex-cricketers. Irfan Pathan has evidently been impressed by the performance of Sudharsan and sees the 22-year-old youngster as the insurance for the next "10-15 years."

"If someone bats like this on a South African pitch, you feel you have found someone who can play for the Indian team for the next 10-15 years. It is very early but still an exceptional start. The first four came off the first ball. So he started extremely well," Pathan said while speaking on Star Sports.

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Pathan points out the features in Sai Sudharsan's batting

Pathan highlighted the characteristics of Sai Sudharsan's batting and deems him as the batter who has every shot in his book.

"When you see him bat, he stays upright, plays the short ball well, uses his feet well, plays fast bowling and spin equally well off both the front and back foot, brings the sweep shot out, and then dances down the track to generate pace if a fast bowler doesn't have the pace. So it seems like he is extremely mature," Pathan further added on the batter.