“GG sir called me aside” - Sai Sudharsan reveals Gautam Gambhir’s advice that boosted his confidence

Team India’s new No.3 Test batter Sai Sudharsan has revealed the piece of advice he has received from the Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir during the two-match West Indies Test series, which boosted his confidence to do well in the longest format of the game.

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Speaking ahead of India A’s four-day match against South Africa A, Sudharsan also asserted that he is fortunate enough to get an India A opportunity ahead of the two-match home Test series against South Africa, starting next month. 

“I feel very fortunate to have this series just before the main series, as it gives us a chance to build momentum. Personally, I’ve been working a lot on my footwork and on understanding the responsibilities of a number three batter. I’m learning the role better and trying to implement it tactically. It’s about being a step ahead of the bowler, and I’m constantly working on that,” Sai Sudharsan said.

“The support has been good. At the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, GG sir called me aside. He told me not to get desperate and reminded me that I am here for a reason, that I’m one of the best players in the country,” he added.

“That reassurance gave me immense confidence and freedom. It helped me approach the game with the mindset to fight and win for my tribe,” he revealed.

The first four-day red-ball match against South Africa A will commence on Thursday, October 30, at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Cricket Ground in Bengaluru. While Rishabh Pant leads the side, Sudharsan has been appointed as his deputy. 

India A squad for the 1st four-day match: Rishabh Pant (C) (WK), Ayush Mhatre, N Jagdeesan (WK), Sai Sudharsan (VC), Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Manav Suthar, Khaleel Ahmed, Gurnoor Brar, Anshul Kamboj, Yash Thakur, Ayush Badoni, Saransh Jain.

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India A squad for the 2nd four-day match: Rishabh Pant (C) (WK), KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Sai Sudharsan (VC), Devdutt Padikkal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Manav Suthar, Khaleel Ahmed, Gurnoor Brar, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep.

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