Former India batter Mohammad Kaif believes Sai Sudharsan is flourishing at Gujarat Titans partly because the franchise lets him bat in his own way.
No pressure to change
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kaif said that at another team Sudharsan’s coach and captain might have pushed him to lift a strike rate of around 140, and could have spoiled his natural game in the process. At Gujarat, he explained, a score of 180 or 200 is worth far more than it looks because of how well their bowlers defend totals, giving matches a Test-match flavour.
Sudharsan won the Orange Cap in IPL 2025, scoring 759 runs at a strike rate of 156.17, and was also named Emerging Player of that season.
Praise for the bowlers
Kaif also complimented Gujarat’s bowling attack after it dismissed Sunrisers Hyderabad for just 86, with Jason Holder and Kagiso Rabada taking three wickets each. He highlighted the unit’s use of Test-match lengths and clear plans rather than leaning heavily on yorkers, and said they executed those plans well against top-order batters such as Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma and Heinrich Klaasen, crediting their consistency and clarity.
What comes next
Gujarat Titans face Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on Saturday, May 18. They are aiming for a strong finish that would secure a top-two place before the playoffs.
