India’s promising batsman, Sai Sudharsan, has clearly articulated the team’s objective: to extend their batting innings as much as possible against the West Indies on Day 2 of the second Test at Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Day one concluded with India in a commanding position at 318/2, thanks to an outstanding unbeaten 173 from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sudharsan’s composed 87. The team is keen to replicate their dominant performance from the first Test in Ahmedabad by posting a formidable first-innings score.
“Our ideal scenario is to bat only once; we aim to stay at the crease for as long as it takes to achieve the highest possible total. We don’t have a specific target in mind, but the ultimate goal is to force West Indies to bat twice,” Sudharsan shared with a prominent sports broadcaster.
Sudharsan maintained remarkable composure throughout his impressive innings, a testament to his recent success with India A. He explained his mindset, stating, “I consciously avoided dwelling on the pressure or the significance of the match. Coming off a strong India A series, my sole focus was on how I could enhance my innings. I made a concerted effort to clear my mind and not get overwhelmed by the occasion.”
He further elaborated, “It was a very disciplined innings for me. Before the game, I decided to allow myself more time, letting things unfold naturally rather than forcing them. That was the primary thought guiding my play. And, of course, batting alongside Jaiswal was incredible; his ability to find boundaries even from excellent deliveries is truly captivating to witness from the non-striker’s end.”
Sudharsan also credited Shubman Gill for his influence, adding, “Shubman provided immense clarity regarding my role. What I admire most about him is his unwavering self-belief – the conviction to bounce back stronger, to convert good starts into substantial hundreds, and ultimately, to secure victories for the team. Observing him up close, you truly grasp the depth of conviction in his game. I believe that self-belief is a crucial quality I need to absorb from him.”