Sai Sudharsan came up with a brilliant knock of 96 runs off 47 balls in the IPL 2023 Final for Gujarat Titans (GT) against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on 29 May. But, his effort went in vain as he finished on the losing side. But, it was a great season for him by scoring 362 runs in eight matches, at an average of 51.71 and a strike rate of 141.41.
He smashed three fifties in the tournament. Now, in a chat with ESPNcricinfo, Sudharsan revealed that the Kiwi batter, Kane Williamson sent a heartwarming message to him after the final. Kane was a part of GT this year but he went back home after suffering a knee injury during the first game of the season.
“I feel very happy that I tried my best to fill in Kane's role.” - Sai Sudharsan
Sudharsan said: "My role was to take the game deep - same as Kane's role. Even a few weeks back, after he had left for New Zealand, I was having a conversation with him over the phone. He's sweet. How sweet? He himself messaged me saying I could call him anytime and have a conversation over cricket anytime. Even last night, Kane texted me: "Very happy. You've done a great job!" I feel very happy that I tried my best to fill in Kane's role. Our roles were fixed during the preparatory camp before the start of the IPL. With that role, I tried to enhance my game and it worked out I feel."
After getting out on 96 runs, he got a standing ovation from the GT dugout and regarding that, he added: "I still get goosebumps when I think about the reception from the dugout. The amount of confidence or the amount of support from my team-mates or support staff... Obviously me, Vijay anna (brother)... Sai Ki (Sai Kishore) are very close and share everything together. Vijay anna gave me my first TN cap. We speak a lot about cricket and life as well. To contribute in a big final and put the team in a superb position gives me a sense of satisfaction. Obviously, I didn't score a hundred, but I felt a sense of satisfaction when I walked back to the dugout."
Here is how fans have reacted:
Kane Williamson is the most underrated captain.... He has terrific mind of cricket
— Sarfaraj Alam (@Sarfaraj789014) June 1, 2023
Super appreciation
— Bharathwajan (@Bharathwajan3) June 1, 2023
kane best man🥹
— ЯIƬΉVIK👻 (@KhudaJaane_) June 1, 2023
Kane mama 🥹
— Sexobeat (@from__mars__) June 1, 2023
A perfect team man!!
— Yashwardhan Jodha (@yashwardhanjod1) June 1, 2023
Kane is best
— Ankur Yadav (@MastRehtaHu) June 1, 2023
Sai Sudarshan skipped the talk with Dhoni but he talked with Kane....
— Frustrated/#WTCera (@kyabatauvro) June 1, 2023
I wish this WhatsApp Conversation should be leaked.
— SR Cricket Fantasy (@CricketFantasyS) June 1, 2023
Thats why kohli kane is modern day legends
— 𝙱𝚛𝚒𝚊𝚗 (@rohitnantunne) June 1, 2023