Trisha Ghosal in Manchester
It was a day where fortunes swung sharply at Old Trafford. India, after bossing the morning session on a lively surface, saw England claw back with key wickets after lunch. Among the bright spots was Sai Sudharsan, who made his maiden Test fifty, showing composure despite an early reprieve. But just when India looked to consolidate, Rishabh Pant suffered a serious foot injury and had to be helped off. With the second new ball due first thing tomorrow and Pant’s return uncertain, the pressure is squarely on India’s lower order.
Post-play, Sudharsan addressed the media with refreshing candour on his game, mindset, and even…drawing mid-match.
“He was in a lot of pain”: On Rishabh Pant’s injury
“I was at the other end. He was in a lot of pain, definitely,” Sudharsan said of Pant, who had to be driven off after a nasty blow. “He’s gone for scans. We’ll know more tomorrow. If he doesn’t come back, it’s obviously a big loss—he was batting really well. But we’ll try to bat long and make up for it as a team.”
“I didn’t even know I edged it”: On leg-side dismissals and England’s traps
Sai admitted he still doesn’t understand how he edged one down leg in a previous match. “To be honest, I didn’t know how I edged it. But England do that a lot, half-volley outside off, then something on the pads just to force a mistake. I was a bit more aware this time, and that helped.”
“Stokes was in my face”: On facing England’s bouncers and mental tests
“They had a plan—short stuff, aggressive fields, lot of chatter,” he said. “Stokes was in my face, Archer steaming in. But it was enjoyable. You don’t often get that kind of battle. I wanted to be in it for the team. Disappointed I got out to the short ball, yes—but I took it on knowing the risk.”
“I was just drawing to distract myself”: On the notebook moment from 1st Test
That viral visual of Sai sketching mid-match? Turns out, it wasn’t a cricket strategy. “I was just drawing to pass time,” he smiled. “I get really tense watching games, so when I was out, I just tried to relax and wind down.”
“Shubhi communicates very well”: On captaincy and camaraderie
Sudharsan credited captain Shubman Gill for clear leadership. “Shubhi expresses really well, tells you what’s expected, and also what you’re doing right. That gives players confidence. I’ve seen that in IPL too, and it’s been a good journey with him.”
“Not thinking about pressure or replacement”: On mindset after Test recall
Dropped after the first Test and now back in the XI, Sai said he isn’t focusing on pressure or proving anything. “I’m not thinking, ‘I didn’t play the last one’ or ‘I’m replacing someone’. My only focus is on what’s in front of me, the situation and what I can do for the team.”
“I visualise every day”: On mental prep
Sai also revealed he regularly uses visualisation as a mental prep tool. “I do it every day. Before every game, whenever possible. It helps me stay mentally ready.”
For More Exciting Articles: Follow RevSportz