13 Sai Sudharsan

A technical master of the top order and a natural successor to the classical school of Indian batting, Sai Sudharsan (born October 15, 2001) has transitioned from a TNPL sensation to an international multi-format mainstay. Known for his “wristy” elegance and an unflappable temperament in big finals, Sudharsan is the tactical anchor of the Gujarat Titans (GT).

As of January 21, 2026, Sai Sudharsan is currently undergoing a structured rehabilitation program at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. Scans on December 29, 2025, confirmed a slender rib fracture sustained during the Vijay Hazare Trophy. While he is ruled out of the ongoing New Zealand T20I series, medical staff expect a full recovery in 6–8 weeks, ensuring he remains a vital starter for the IPL 2026 season starting in March.

Sai Sudharsan: Career Profile & 2025–26 Milestones

The “Orange Cap” Legend (2025)

The 2025 IPL season was the year Sai Sudharsan entered the pantheon of modern greats. He became the youngest player in history to win the Orange Cap, amassing a staggering 759 runs.

• Consistency redefined: He scored six half-centuries and one century in a single season, maintaining a career-best strike rate of 156.17.

• Fastest to 1000: During his century against CSK in 2024, he became the fastest Indian to 1,000 IPL runs, achieving the feat in just 25 innings—surpassing legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Test Debut & International Growth

On June 20, 2025, Sudharsan fulfilled his lifelong dream by earning his Test Cap (No. 317) against England.

• Red-Ball Prowess: Earlier in the 2024/25 domestic season, he struck his maiden double-century (213) against Delhi, proving his technical longevity beyond the T20 format.

• ODI Reliability: With an ODI average of 63.50, including back-to-back fifties on his debut tour of South Africa, he is widely viewed as India’s long-term answer at the top of the order.

Recent Form & 2026 Outlook

Before the rib injury, Sudharsan was in sublime touch during the 2025–26 domestic cycle:

• Ranji Trophy Ton: Smashed a dominant century against Saurashtra in December 2025.

• IPL 2026 Retention: Gujarat Titans have officially retained the 24-year-old as their primary opening batter, banking on his pairing with captain Shubman Gill to lead their 2026 title quest.

Sai Sudharsan: Consolidated IPL Statistics

Data consolidated as of January 21, 2026.

IPL Batting & Fielding Records

International Statistics (As of Jan 2026)

• Tests: 6 Matches | 302 Runs | High Score: 87

• ODIs: 3 Matches | 127 Runs | Average: 63.50 | 50s: 2

• T20Is: 1 Match | Debut vs Zimbabwe (July 2024)