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Published 11:34 IST, December 20th 2023

'I think that...': Ex-Indian cricketer impressed by Sai Sudharsan but encourages 100s over 60s

After scoring a great knock in India's loss against South Africa in the 2nd ODI, Sai Sudarshan earned a word from the former Indian cricket team star batter.

Reported by: Aryan Suraj Chadha
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B Sai Sudharsan in action against South Africa on Team India debut | Image: Star Sports
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South Africa won the second One-Day International (ODI) in the India vs South Africa Three-Match ODI Series in 2023, defeating India by eight wickets. In 42.3 overs, South Africa successfully chased their target after scoring 215/2, driven by Tony de Zorzi's outstanding 119 runs off 122 balls. After SA won the toss and elected to bowl, India's batsmen struggled as they were bowled out for 211 runs in 46.2 overs, with Sai Sudharsan top-scoring with 62 runs off 83 balls. Nandre Burger (3/30 in 10 overs) and Beuran Hendricks (2/34 in 9.2 overs) were South Africa's best bowlers.  

3 things you need to know 

  • South Africa beat India in the 2nd ODI by 8 wickets 
  • India vs South Africa series stands 1-1 
  • India vs South Africa 3rd ODI will be played on Thursday

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Sunil Gavaskar made a huge statement regarding the star Indian batsmen after knock against SA

The rising talent Sai Sudharsan has garnered the admiration of renowned Indian batsman Sunil Gavaskar on the current South Africa series, the youthful left-hander, who plays for Tamil Nadu on the domestic circuit, made his debut for the Indian team. In his first match of the series, Sudharsan showed off his skills by hitting a half-century, and he carried that momentum into the second game with another fifty.

Gavaskar gave Sudharsan credit for his performance, expressing his admiration for his efforts and urging the young batsman to make more than only half-centuries. Speaking on Star Sports after the match, Sunil Gavaskar said: 

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"Yes, he looks very, very good. A very compact player plays close to his body, has got a good very still head. So balance is very good when he's playing. And, of course, when he play drives like that. Left-handers can be so elegant when they play, they can play the pull shot as well. But basically his temperament and talent are very, very nice," 

"Now it's a matter of them sort of carrying on from here and not being satisfied and I'm sure he's not being satisfied. You don't want to be getting out in 50s and 60s. When you bat up the order, you have the opportunity to score a 100 every time. So I think that is what he's got to grab so that somebody will be talking only about who will partner sai Sudharsan at the top,"

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Following an impressive half-century by Sudharsan in the second ODI, India suffered a defeat by eight wickets. On Thursday, December 21, KL Rahul will lead his team into the series decider match as India will take on South Africa in the 3rd ODI.

11:23 IST, December 20th 2023