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Ashwin Praises Sudarshan's 73 as Key for GT in Gill's Absence vs RR

Ravichandran Ashwin praised Gujarat Titans opener Sai Sudarshan for his stroke-filled 73 in the absence of injured skipper Shubman Gill against Rajasthan Royals. Ashwin noted Sudarshan understood the need to carry the innings and effectively used his strengths, including taking on spinner Ravindra Jadeja. Despite a solid start, GT suffered a middle-order collapse before a late partnership between Rashid Khan and Kagiso Rabada brought them close. Ultimately, GT fell six runs short of RR's total of 210, with the opening combination highlighted as key for their future once Gill returns.

Key Points: Ashwin Hails Sai Sudarshan's Knock for GT Without Gill

  • Sai Sudarshan scored 73 off 44 balls
  • GT fell 6 runs short chasing 211
  • Ashwin highlighted Sudarshan's understanding of his game
  • RR's Yashasvi Jaiswal scored a 36-ball 55
  • GT's late fightback led by Rashid Khan & Kagiso Rabada
3 min read

Ashwin hails GT opener Sudarshan's stroke-filled 73 in absence of Gill against RR

R Ashwin applauds GT's Sai Sudarshan for his 73 vs RR, highlighting the opener's role while Shubman Gill recovers from injury in IPL 2024.

"Sai Sudharsan knew that Shubman wasn't playing today, so he had to do the heavy lifting himself. - Ravichandran Ashwin"

Mumbai, April 4

Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin hailed Gujarat Titans opener, Sai Sudarshan, for his excellent knock in a losing cause against Rajastha Royals and how the opening combination will be key for GT once skipper Shubman Gill returns from his injury.

Gill missed out on his first-ever game in GT colours due to muscle spasm, and the 2022 champions fell six runs short despite a valiant partnership between tailenders Rashid Khan and Kagiso Rabada against the Rajasthan Royals at Ahmedabad on Saturday.

During the chase of 211, opening with debutant Kumar Kushagra, Sudarshan made a 44-ball 73, with nine fours and three sixes, putting up 78 runs for the first wicket with Kushagra, who made just 18 on his GT debut.

Speaking during JioStar's 'Match Centre Live', Ashwin spoke about Sudarshan's knock during Gill's absence: 'Sai Sudharsan knew that Shubman wasn't playing today, so he had to do the heavy lifting himself. The way he started showed that he understands his strengths. He used pace well, guiding the ball towards third man, and then played some good cover drives on the front foot. He took on Jadeja immediately (in the ninth over) after he came into the attack, made use of the pace, and followed it up with a slog sweep."

"These are the strong areas for Sudarshan, which he relies on, and he got the results. He needs to play like this, carry the innings, but at a good tempo. And for the Gujarat Titans, missing Shubman Gill was a big setback. So obviously, when Shubman returns, this opening combination will be key for them going forward, yet again," he added.

Opting to bat first, RR put up a massive 210/6 on the board, with a 70-run stand between Yashasvi Jaiswal (55 in 36 balls, with six fours and three sixes) and Vaibhav Suryavanshi (31 in 18 balls, with five fours and a six) laying down a solid foundation. Even while wickets fell from the other end, a mesmerising knock of 75 in 42 balls (with five fours and five sixes) took RR to a challenging score. Kagiso Rabada (2/42) was the pick of the bowlers for GT.

In the chase, Sudharsan (73) and Kushagra (18 in 14 balls, with three fours) put up a 78-run stand. After Sudharsan was dismissed at a score of 107 runs, GT faced a shocking collapse from 107/2 to 161/7. The pair of Rashid Khan (24 in 16 balls, with three fours) and Kagiso Rabada (23 in 16 balls, with a four and two sixes) put up a hopeful 43-run stand, but GT was restricted to 204/8 courtesy a last-over masterclass from Tushar Deshpande (1/24). Spinner Ravi Bishnoi (4/41) was the pick of the bowlers for RR.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Ashwin's analysis is always spot on. He highlighted exactly how Sudarshan used his strengths - the guides to third man and taking on Jadeja. That's high-quality cricket insight.
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Vikram M
The collapse after 107/2 is the real story. One good innings isn't enough if the middle order crumbles like that. GT needs to sort out their batting depth, especially in chases. Sudarshan played well, but it went in vain.
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Priya S
So proud of Sai! From Tamil Nadu to making waves in the IPL. He has such a calm and composed technique. Hope he gets a consistent run in the team even after Gill returns.
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Rohit P
Respect to Ashwin for praising a young player. But let's be honest, losing by 6 runs after that start is disappointing. Bowling also leaked too many. Rabada and Rashid's fight at the end was the only positive apart from Sudarshan.
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Michael C
Interesting point about the opening combination. When Gill is back, does Sudarshan open with him, or does he drop down? They both seem to be anchor players. GT might need a more explosive partner for Gill at the top.

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