CHENNAI: With his selection in the Indian ODI side for the South Africa series, B Sai Sudharsan has now well and truly entered the big league. The 22-year-old is gung-ho about the assignment and the southpaw told TOI about his expectations from the series and more.
Excerpts:
What was your immediate reaction after getting picked?
Definitely very happy but there are a lot of things to do and improve. So, I am just focusing on that. When the call-up was announced, I was in the physio’s room. I came back to my room, checked my phone and saw my brother’s message, who congratulated me. That’s when I knew I made it to the squad. Immediately after that, I called up my parents and brother and all of them were very happy and proud.
How long have you been waiting for this moment?
In December 2019, I was dropped from Tamil Nadu’s under-19 side for the Cooch Behar trophy. I think that phase was a very important period in my life. It hurt me a lot. When the news came about me being dropped, I was at the airport with the team. So obviously, I started to cry; the team was going to the venue, and I was going back home. Looking back now, I feel it was an important lesson for me because it showed me a lot of things that I need to improve on, in many aspects. I feel that was a crucial turning point in my career.
Did you see this coming?
To be honest, I was not expecting something like this. I was just trying to play my best and get better as a cricketer. It’s a dream for every cricketer to play for the country. When I started playing cricket, it was the first goal for me. Happy to have achieved that, onto the next one, now. I want to give my best for the country.
What preparation are you looking to do ahead of the SA series?
Nothing in particular. Just like how I prepare for every other tournament -- like IPL, Vijay Hazare, Syed (Mushtaq Ali T20). Just setting a mindset and planning a particular tournament.
Now, getting into the playing XI could be a tricky task. How are you planning on dealing with the competition?
That’s actually true, but it is not in our hands. There are certain things which we can’t control. I think now I just have to try to make the most of the opportunity and try to contribute as much as I can for the team.
