India's star batter Sai Sudharsan has opened up about a key chat with head coach Gautam Gambhir that proved crucial in turning around his form during the West Indies Test series. Sudharsan revealed that the detailed discussion was the source of a much-needed mental reset, directly crediting the chat for significantly boosting his confidence and helping him regain clarity while at the crease.
Sai Sudharsan credits Gautam Gambhir for mental reset
The Tamil Nadu batter's statistical output from the five matches played so far might appear somewhat modest. He has scored 273 runs at an average of 30.33, including two fifties, which some may view as slightly underwhelming given his talent. However, Sudharsan also admitted that Gambhir has provided him with unstinting support to continue pursuing his core philosophy of cricket which helped him overcome a difficult phase and play with greater freedom.
“To be honest, support was impeccable. I can give an anecdote. We were practicing in Ferozshah Kotla (ahead of the 2nd Test against the West Indies). I was the last to nets, and GG sir called me and said: ‘Don’t get desperate, you are here because of so many reasons, you are one of the best players in the country," Sudharsan said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
"So, do not think about any other things or do not think about whether I have to score runs in this game or what will happen or what not. He told me, "you will play, and the way he told that to me gave me so much confidence and so much freedom,” Sudharsan added.
Gambhir's positive influence on Sudharsan
Sudharsan revealed the profound and positive influence that Gambhir has had on his approach to the game. The veteran cricketer's words acted as a catalyst, empowering Sudharsan to shed the burden of pressure that often accompanies a young international career. Gambhir's intervention was critical in helping the Tamil Nadu batter rediscover his natural game. By providing a clear and supportive message, the coach enabled Sudharsan to play with greater freedom and clarity of mind at the crease, allowing him to focus purely on the task at hand rather than the external expectations surrounding his performances.
“I was trying to be more free, trying not to think about all the external factors and the magnitude, but when you hear it from the head coach, you suddenly get that freedom, the perspective and the environment change drastically," he added.
The star southpaw is currently focused on refining his game ahead of a demanding international schedule. The young batter is set to feature in the two four-day matches for the India A squad against South Africa A. This represents a crucial opportunity for him to fine-tune his technique and temperament in the longer format of the game. The purpose of these 'A' games is to serve as a dress rehearsal for the two-match Test series against South Africa, which is set to start from November 18.