IPL 2025: Varun Aaron hails "exceptional" Sai Sudharsan, picks moment when GT opener showed his "excellent form"

Sudharsan continued to ride high on his stellar form in the 18th edition of the cash-rich league as Gujarat outwitted Rajasthan convincingly and cruised to a resounding 58-run triumph. The 23-year-old southpaw served a Player of the Match performance on the plate with his blistering 82 from 53 deliveries, which propelled Gujarat to an imposing 217/3.

He anchored the GT's innings early after Jofra Archer cleaned up Shubman Gill. Sudharsan kept on switching from aggressor to anchor, which suited the Titans' approach and style of play, as GT demolished Rajasthan's bowling unit.

Sudharsan's true potential was on display for Varun in the 17th over. On two successive deliveries, he dispatched the ball over covers for a sizzling maximum and a boundary. Even though much pace wasn't on offer, Sudharsan generated enough power by opening up his wrists and slicing it hard enough to clear the boundary rope.

"He has absolute role clarity and puts in a tremendous amount of hard work. I know for a fact that Sai is very committed, both on and off the field. That dedication is showing now. The way he played today was exceptional," Varun said on JioHotstar.

"Those two sixes over cover off Sandeep Sharma weren't easy--especially considering Sandeep doesn't offer much pace. To hit him for sixes over cover when he's bowling wide--that shows Sai is in excellent form and seeing the ball really well," he added.

Apart from Sudharsan's individual brilliance, Jos Buttler (36), Rahul Tewatia (24*) and Shahrukh Khan (36) chipped in handsomely to lift Gujarat's chances of success against the Royals.

"Gujarat Titans are showing what a complete team looks like. They've really invested in young talent. Take Shahrukh Khan, for instance--despite not getting runs over the past couple of seasons, the team has kept faith in him and given him a clearly defined role," he said.

"Rahul Tewatia continues to be a reliable contributor, playing his role year after year. In the bowling department, Arshad's knack for picking up key wickets adds to their strength. Everyone's chipping in, and that's the hallmark of a healthy, well-rounded team, not just depending on one or two stars," he added.

After a spirited batting display, the stage was set for the bowling unit to put the final nail in the coffin. Prasidh Krishna's pace blitz and the spin web of Rashid Khan and Sai Kishore got Rajasthan tangled into a dire situation they couldn't escape from. (ANI)