Young debutant Sai Sudharsan bags impact fielder medal in 3rd ODI against South Africa

India’s young opening batter Sai Sudharsan recently made his debut in the one-day international format for the team during India’s tour of South Africa 2023. India participated in a three-match ODI and T20 series followed by two test matches in South Africa and Sai played multiple impactful knocks throughout the white ball format. 

After a stellar performance in the IPL for Gujarat Titans, Sai was picked for the ODI playing 11 and he didn’t miss the chance to perform for the team. India sealed a victory in the ODI series by 2-1 as they won the first and third ODI.

Sai Sudharsan was recently awarded the impact fielder medal in the third ODI for a thrilling catch of Heinrich Klaasen by the team’s fielding coach Ajay Ratra. 

“There were a few notable catches during the series. Overall, we took 12 catches during the contest, with KL Rahul taking six of them. Samson took two – one as a wicketkeeper and other as a fielder. And Sai took a brilliant catch today. It was a tight decision between KL and Sai. I am always tempted to give the award to a wicketkeeper, but KL was generous enough to give the award to Sai,” said Ajay Ratra while awarding the medal to Sai Sudharsan. 

Sai Sudharsan on making ODI debut for the Indian cricket team

Sai Sudharsan made his ODI debut for the Indian cricket team in the first ODI match and played a good knock. After the game he took to his social media accounts and called making a debut for the team a dream come true. He tweeted, “Growing up as a small kid like everybody I also dreamt of playing for the country. So with hard work and grit dreams do come true. 🇮🇳 Blessed to represent the country and contribute to the team. Looking forward to lots of memories.✨Special to receive the cap from @klrahul Bhai & it was amazing to bat with @ShreyasIyer15 Bhai. ❤️ #INDvsSA.”

Sudarshan took a stunning catch to dismiss Heinrich Klassen during the third ODI against South Africa. December 17, when India won the match by eight wickets, he celebrated the occasion with a skillfully constructed 55 not out. In a losing cause, he then backed it up with an outstanding 62 in the second ODI. Even though the 22-year-old was only able to muster 10 runs in the series finale, he still made an impression on the pitch.

Here’s the video:

Catch of the series – Sai Sudharsan 🫡🔥pic.twitter.com/tKr2Vrj3tq

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 21, 2023