Washington Sundar praises Sai Sudharsan’s rise: IPL Orange Cap winner’s journey unfolds

India's promising batsman Sai Sudharsan, who recently clinched the IPL Orange Cap with 759 runs for Gujarat Titans, has openly praised fellow Tamil Nadu cricketer Washington Sundar for inspiring his swift ascent in international cricket.

Sudharsan, 23, who has already featured in three ODIs and one T20I for India, is set to make his Test debut against England at Leeds on June 20. He credits Sundar's rapid rise—from debuting internationally as a teenager in 2017 to playing Tests by 2021—as a key motivator.

"Washington's journey from age-group cricket to the international stage in such a short time was a huge inspiration," Sudharsan said, emphasizing how his senior's path encouraged him to work harder to achieve his dream of representing India.

Washington Sundar, 25, has played 9 Tests, 23 ODIs, and 54 T20Is, and his success story resonates deeply with Sudharsan, who is two years his junior.

Sudharsan's IPL performance was stellar, scoring a century and six half-centuries in 16 innings, earning him the 'Emerging Player' award alongside the Orange Cap.

This mentorship and example set by Sundar highlight the strong cricketing culture in Tamil Nadu, fostering young talents rapidly rising through the ranks.

As Sudharsan prepares for his Test debut, the cricketing fraternity watches keenly, anticipating the continuation of this promising journey inspired by Washington Sundar's meteoric rise.

India's Sai Sudharsan, IPL Orange Cap winner with 759 runs, credits fellow Tamil Nadu all-rounder Washington Sundar for inspiring his rapid rise. Sundar, who debuted internationally as a teen in 2017, motivated Sudharsan to push harder ahead of his Test debut against England at Leeds on June 20.