Sai hails from a family steeped in sports. His father, Bharadwaj R, was an international athlete who represented India at the South Asian Games, while his mother, Alagu Usha Bharadwaj, played volleyball at the state level. This athletic lineage clearly influenced Sai’s early interest in sports, particularly cricket. He began playing with his brother in local grounds and quickly rose through the ranks of Tamil Nadu’s age-group teams.
Domestic Career
Sai’s domestic journey began with a bang. He was the leading run-scorer for Alwarpet CC in the 2019/20 Raja of Palayampatti Shield. He made his T20 debut for Tamil Nadu in the 2021–22 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and followed it up with a List A debut in the Vijay Hazare Trophy the same year. His performances in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) caught the attention of IPL scouts, and in 2022, he was picked up by Gujarat Titans.
In the IPL, Sai quickly became a fan favorite. His 96-run knock in the 2023 final against Chennai Super Kings was a standout, even though Gujarat narrowly lost. He continued to shine in the 2024 season, scoring 527 runs and later clinched the Orange Cap in 2025 with a record-breaking 759 runs.
International Breakthrough
Sai made his ODI debut for India on 17 December 2023 against South Africa, scoring 55* in his first match. He followed it up with another half-century in the same series, cementing his place as a dependable top-order batter. In July 2024, he earned his T20I cap against Zimbabwe. Most recently, he made his Test debut on 20 June 2025 against England, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Playing Style and Strengths
A left-handed top-order batter, Sai is known for his calm demeanor, textbook drives, and ability to accelerate when needed. His high-elbow technique and clean hitting have drawn comparisons to some of India’s finest batters. He also bowls occasional leg-spin and is a sharp fielder.
Off the Field
Sai holds a Bachelor's degree in Commerce from Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda College in Chennai. Despite his growing fame, he remains grounded and focused on his game. His favorite cricketer is Michael Hussey, and he’s known to enjoy chicken biryani and Tamil cinema in his downtime.
With a strong foundation, a hunger for runs, and a level-headed approach, Sai Sudharsan is poised to be a mainstay in Indian cricket for years to come. His journey is just beginning, and fans across the country are watching with eager eyes.