Sai Sudharsan Eager to Learn Test Batting from Matthew Hayden Ahead of IPL 2026
New Delhi: Gujarat Titans (GT) batter Sai Sudharsan has expressed his desire to learn the art of Test batting from former Australian great Matthew Hayden, who has been appointed as the team’s batting coach for IPL 2026.
Ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 season starting March 28, Sudharsan reflected on his impressive performance last season, where he emerged as the tournament’s top scorer and won the Orange Cap. He credited the team environment for his success.
Speaking to IANS, Sudharsan said, “The biggest learning for me was to build a new identity and take responsibility. If we want to win matches for the team, there is still a lot of work to be done, and I aim to do that even better this year.”
Recalling his unbeaten 108-run knock against Delhi Capitals, he described it as a turning point in his career. “While opening for GT with Shubman Gill, our mindset was always to take the game till the end. That match, where we finished without losing a wicket, gave us immense confidence,” he said.
Talking about his partnership with Gill, Sudharsan added that he has learned a lot over the past four years. “We’ve had many discussions about improving and handling different situations. I’ve worked on those aspects and will continue to do so,” he noted.
He also highlighted the positive atmosphere within the GT camp, saying that the freedom to express himself has played a crucial role in his growth. “As a young player, you have doubts and questions, but the environment here allows you to express yourself freely. That has helped me become more comfortable and confident over time,” he explained.
Sudharsan emphasized his focus on basics such as timing and maintaining proper position while batting, which helps him perform in both white-ball and red-ball cricket. He also noted improvements in his decision-making and ability to adapt to match situations rather than relying solely on power-hitting.
Speaking about his interactions with Hayden, he said, “We haven’t spoken much yet, but whatever conversations we’ve had have been very interesting. He is one of Australia’s greats, and I would love to take his advice, especially for Test cricket.”
Sudharsan had a stellar previous season, scoring 759 runs in 15 matches, including one century and six half-centuries. Overall, he has amassed 1,793 runs in 40 IPL matches, with two centuries and 12 fifties to his name, making him a key player for Gujarat Titans heading into the new season.
