Sai Sudharsan as Rohit Sharma’s replacement in Test cricket

Tanveer Jabbar, the batting coach of Tamil Nadu, recently shared insights into B Sai Sudharsan‘s remarkable batting skills. He explained how Sudharsan’s soft bottom hand allows him to play a variety of shots, effectively enabling him to play “two shots for each ball” and offering a dynamic approach to his batting.

“As a batting coach, what really stands out to me are his hands and mentality. He is among the few players who use a very soft bottom hand, allowing him to place most of his shots exactly where he wants. He can consistently find gaps for singles or deliver boundaries with ease. His back-lift is a major asset to his game. His approach has also contributed to his excellent game awareness. A soft bottom hand demonstrates control over both the bat and back-lift. This control is essential for directing the ball accurately. When the bat is held too tightly, you risk jabbing at the ball, which is typically only effective for power hitting. This player, however, has two options for each delivery,” said Jabbar, as reported by The Indian Express.

Jabbar also discussed the role of Sudharsan’s back-lift in refining his strokeplay, making batting more straightforward for the left-hander. Jabbar highlighted the player’s ability to execute shots all around the ground, particularly praising his proficiency in playing the straight drive.

“Primarily, what we look for is that a batter should have at least a couple of options for every delivery. This is something Sai has diligently worked on, which is why he’s been so successful. He can easily go back and punch the shirt ball to cover, or, if necessary, he can pull it as well. He has a solid pull shot, sweep, and a straight drive in his arsenal. If you observe the domestic circuit, not many batters play the straight drive due to their bat flow, but he has all of these shots, which is a clear reflection of his technique,” he added.

Furthermore, Jabbar emphasised why Sudharsan would be a strong contender to open for India on their forthcoming tour to England. He noted that Sudharsan’s time in county cricket and the IPL has provided him with extensive exposure to top-tier bowlers, preparing him well for the challenges ahead.

“He has gained sufficient experience facing international-level bowlers. He’s had the opportunity to play abroad and compete against the best in the IPL. Being a left-hander gives him an edge, as bowlers will frequently need to adjust their angles. His soft bottom hand will also prove beneficial, especially in England. The only issue I see is his running between the wickets. He is too quick for the other batters and always looks to get off strike,” Jabbar concluded.

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