In-form Sudharsan draws inspiration from fellow townsman
Sai Sudharsan credited fellow Chennaite Washington Sundar's cricketing journey for inspiring him, ahead of the crucial red-ball series against England.
Following a splendid domestic season, including a stellar Indian Premier League (IPL) in which he was the highest run-getter, Sudharsan earned a call-up to the national squad for the five-match Test series commencing on Friday, 20 June.
"I've played a few games against him, so it is always special", the left-hander batter told BCCI.tv, praising Sundar.
"We've looked up to him a lot, I've practiced once, twice and the way he went up and the way he played for the country, it was really quick and I had that in my mind."
The rich in-form batter said Sundar has been an inspiration for him when he was young.
"It was great to see him - a few years of IPL, he did well in IPL, then he played for the country, so it was a great motivator for me from Chennai.
"Knowing him from young, playing with him - it's kind of an inspiration where it made me feel that I also want to do the same way."
Sundar started as a batter in the ICC U19 World Cup in 2016, and made his senior national team debut within a year. The then 20-year old all-rounder made his Test debut and played a vital knock in India's famous Gabba win in 2021, which helped them win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Sundar reciprocated the same thoughts about Sudharsan saying his friends and coaches have constantly spoken about the latter's growth.
"He's always grown with his cricketing career in the last three-four years, and he's managed to get better every year.
"Everytime I have watched him on TV, there was a lot to take away from him and from his skill sets and the kind of work ethics that he has got.
"He has definitely inspired a lot of kids, especially in Chennai and I am sure he's going to continue to inspire so many more around the world. I am very for him."
India, under a new captain, will begin the new World Test Championship cycle taking on England at Leeds from Friday.
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