“Kane mama is an emotion’ – Fans react as Sai Sudharsan heaps prasie on his IPL teammate Kane Williamson

Gujarat Titans (GT) batter Sai Sudharsan recently applauded his IPL teammate and the star New Zealand batter Kane Williamson after the IPL 2023 final. The 21-year-old played his career-best knock in the title clash against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Monday. He got out after scoring 96 runs off 47 balls as GT posted a total of 214 for the loss of 4 wickets.

However, Sudharsan’s knock wasn’t enough for the defending champions to retain their title as CSK defeated them in a rain-affected encounter by 5 wickets to clinch their fifth IPL title. After the match, Sudharsan revealed that Williamson texted him and applauded him for his knock on the final. It is noted that Kane Williamson was ruled out of IPL after he suffered a knee while fielding against CSK in the opening match of the season in Ahmedabad on March 31st.

“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,” Sudharsan tells ESPNCricinfo.

I take it as an opportunity to learn…: Sai Sudharsan

Sudharsan also talked about his innings in the final against CSK. The GT batter waas seem to be struggling in Qualifier 1 against Mumbai Indians as he got retired before the last over. However, he looked in great touch in a final against CSK as he fell short of just four runs for his maiden IPL hundred.

“I had mixed feelings during that game too. I think the first 20-25 balls went well for me. After a matter of a few dots, we had to make that strategic move, but that’s 100% accepted and I took it in my stride. Because the way our batters were playing – Nos. 4,5,6,7 were explosive this year and also last year. I also felt, instead of me, it would be more fruitful for the team if those power-hitters were there in the middle at that point. I take it as an opportunity to learn because if I want to be there with the best, in terms of skill, I have to get better. In a way, I’m happy that it happened on such a big stage because it is now known to me that I’ve to get better in certain aspects of the game,” Sudharsan said.