Sai Sudharsan Reveals Childhood CSK Connection: ‘We Used to Stand on the Road Just to Watch the Team Bus’

Gujarat Titans opener Sai Sudharsan has revealed the deep emotional connection he still shares with Chennai Super Kings, admitting that facing the five-time champions remains special because of the memories he carries from his childhood.

Speaking on JioStar ahead of Gujarat Titans' clash against CSK, Sudharsan reflected on growing up in Chennai and watching the franchise from afar long before becoming one of the IPL's most consistent batters.

The left-hander, who scored his maiden IPL century against CSK in 2024, said those performances hold added significance because of his roots.

"It wasn't a conscious decision; I think it was the grace of God, and it came at the right time. But it's always special to spend time in the middle, especially when I play against CSK because, whatever may be said and done, there's a deep emotional connection with CSK for me," Sudharsan told JioStar.

"I grew up watching CSK play. We used to stand on the road just to watch the team bus pass by our school. Those are fantastic memories. I'm grateful to God that I've been able to deliver some memorable performances against CSK."

Sai Sudharsan on handling expectations after Orange Cap success

After winning the Orange Cap in IPL 2025, Sudharsan has once again crossed the 500-run mark this season and remains central to Gujarat Titans' push for a top-two finish.

The 24-year-old, however, insists he does not dwell on previous achievements and prefers to focus entirely on the present.

"It's actually very interesting. I don't look at the past anymore, to be honest, because it's already gone. What matters is the present," he said.

"There's a very famous quote by Babe Ruth, 'Yesterday's home runs won't win today's games.' That's my motto because whatever I've done yesterday doesn't serve a purpose for me today."

"I have to start the grind again from today. And when tomorrow comes, I'll start fresh again. So, I don't worry about or dwell on the last season. I try to take the learnings from it and remain as fresh as possible for the coming season or the coming day."

Sudharsan also rejected suggestions that a relatively slow start to IPL 2026 amounted to a lean patch, describing every setback as an opportunity to improve.

"I don't look at it as a lean patch or a phase where I'm not scoring runs. It's a learning experience for me to move forward, improve, and get better," he said.

"In an important tournament like this, it's crucial not to carry the residue of the previous innings. It can eat you up if you enter the game with memories of previous performances lingering in your mind."

'Shubman is such a mastermind'

A major factor behind Gujarat Titans' success this season has been the opening partnership between Sudharsan and captain Shubman Gill. The duo have consistently provided strong starts, sharing responsibilities according to match situations.

Sudharsan reserved glowing praise for his skipper, describing Gill as one of the sharpest tactical minds in the game.

"Shubman is such a mastermind. He understands the game so well and is tactically very strong," Sudharsan said.

"It gives you a sense of freedom to do whatever you want because you know Shubman is there. And I think it's vice versa, when he tries to go after the bowlers, he knows that I'm there and can anchor the innings."

"I think we complement each other really well. We share a great relationship, understand each other very well, and take turns accordingly."

Breaking Chris Gayle's IPL record

Sudharsan recently surpassed a long-standing milestone by becoming the fastest batter to score the most runs after 50 IPL innings, eclipsing a record previously held by the legendary Chris Gayle.

While he views records as secondary to team success, the Gujarat Titans batter admitted such achievements strengthen his belief in his own ability.

"When a record is broken, it's obviously a great feeling and a significant milestone to achieve because it validates that we are moving in the right direction," Sudharsan said.

"I feel those milestones and accolades help me believe in myself more, trust my abilities further, and continue improving along the same path."

With Gujarat Titans chasing a top-two finish and CSK battling to keep their playoff hopes alive, Sudharsan will once again take centre stage against the franchise he grew up idolising - a matchup that still carries special meaning despite his rise as one of the IPL's premier batters.