Sai Sudharsan shares his simple unwind ritual
At just 24, Sai Sudharsan continues to cement his position as one of Gujarat Titans’ most promising top-order batters. On Sunday, he lit up the stadium with a sparkling 87 runs off 46 balls, studded with 11 boundaries (4 fours and 7 sixes) in his team’s IPL encounter with the Chennai Super Kings. His knock was a blend of power and poise.
Despite Sudharsan’s brilliance with the bat, the Player of the Match award went to Kagiso Rabada, whose three wickets tilted the contest in his team’s favour.
Speaking from Chennai, Sudharsan’s mother Usha Bharatdawj echoed the essence of cricket’s spirit — acknowledging individual brilliance while celebrating collective success — when she said, “I have no regrets. It is, after all, a team game and we are happy that the team won. Rabada bowled well and deserved the POTM.”
Both Usha and her husband were in the stands, watching their son’s outstanding performance.
Asked about his post-match plans, Sudharsan revealed a ritual that grounds him beyond the floodlights: “Will go to my favourite tea shop and spend some time there. Will have tea and bun maska there,” he said at the presentation.
His mother elaborated: “Bilal Tea Shop on Mount Road, near Chepauk Stadium, is his favourite spot. He visits there frequently, and I accompany him.” (Interestingly, she and her husband chose not to join Sudharsan at the tea shop on Sunday, probably giving him space for reflection.)
The image of a rising star unwinding with a simple bun, maska and tea paints a portrait of humility.
