Sai Sudharsan, the Gujarat Titans’ (GT) opener, was praised by former Indian player Aakash Chopra for his game-winning performance during their IPL 2025 matchup with the Rajasthan Royals (RR). The youthful player tied the record of AB de Villiers, who scored five consecutive fifties at one location, he said.
On Wednesday, April 9, in Match 23 of the IPL 2025 at Ahmedabad, Sudharsan scored 82 runs off 53 deliveries as GT set RR a goal of 218 runs. After that, the home team bowled Sanju Samson and company out for 159 to win by a commanding 58 runs and move up to the top of the standings.
The former India opener, in a video posted on his YouTube account ‘Aakash Chopra,’ reflected on GT’s batting and commended Sudharsan for maintaining his steady run at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
“Sai Sudharsan needs to be spoken about because he has scored five consecutive fifties at a single venue. He has equaled AB de Villiers. It also includes a hundred, which came last year against Chennai (Super Kings). The way he is batting, he is absolutely sensational.”
Aakash Chopra
The former cricket player who is now a broadcaster said that Sudharsan appeared at ease when making both traditional and non-traditional shots, and he voiced optimism about the left-handed batsman participating in Test matches.
“When you watch him drive, play the cut, flick, or pull, you feel what a player he is. He bats clean and is extremely elegant and technically compact. He is also one for the long haul and should play Tests and the longer format because his batting is pure. However, along with that, he was stepping out and hitting a four with a ramp shot. Then a scoop with a six.”
Aakash Chopra
“He doesn’t look ungainly while playing unconventional shots. He is someone who is doing 360-degree batting without you feeling that he is that adventurous. Sai Sudharsan is absolutely gold dust. He is batting extremely well. Hopefully, one day, he will be playing Test cricket for India is what I am thinking.”
Aakash Chopra
During his 82-run knock, Sai Sudharsan hit three sixes and eight fours. He helped the Gujarat Titans to a huge total in their IPL 2025 match against the Rajasthan Royals by adding 80 runs for the second wicket with Jos Buttler (36 off 25) and 62 runs for the third wicket with Shahrukh Khan (36 off 20).
“Gujarat’s thought process is incredible” – Aakash Chopra on GT not using Washington Sundar in IPL 2025 clash vs RR
Despite Washington Sundar smashing a 29-ball 49 in their previous game against the SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH), Aakash Chopra lauded the Gujarat Titans in the same video for not employing the all-rounder as an impact player in their IPL 2025 match against the Rajasthan Royals.
“Of course, Buttler and Shahrukh scored runs. Rahul Tewatia also scored important runs. Everyone played cameos, but Gujarat’s thought process is incredible. They made Washi wear his pads and sit. They were convinced that they would need a fast bowler and not a spinner later. So they kept him waiting.”
Aakash Chopra
The Titans’ head coach, Ashish Nehra, was aware that they would require Kulwant Khejroliya more than Sundar with the ball, according to the analyst.
“They kept taking the game deep and didn’t use him when he was not required. They said it was okay as they needed Kulwant Khejroliya and didn’t need a spinner at all. It requires clarity as he was coming after scoring 49 in the last match, and Washi can bowl as well. It’s a good masterclass on how you can manage the team with that consistency and clarity. Well done, Ashish Nehra.”
Aakash Chopra
The Gujarat Titans signed Kulwant Khejroliya as an Impact Substitutute for Sherfane Rutherford during their IPL 2025 match against Rajasthan Royals. Kulwant Khejroliya completed his three-over spell by dismissing Riyan Parag while giving away only 29 runs to the opposition.
