India's young batting sensation Sai Sudharsan has laid out the team's clear and dominant plan after a commanding first day in the second Test against the West Indies. Following a stellar performance that saw the hosts reach 318 for the loss of just two wickets at stumps on Friday at Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium, the focus is firmly on building an insurmountable total.
The 'Bat Once' Philosophy
Speaking after the day's play, Sudharsan expressed the team's collective intention to bat just once in this match. The goal is to replicate the successful template from the first Test in Ahmedabad, where a massive first-innings score set up victory. "Ideally, we would like to bat just once; we want to bat as long as possible and get the best total we can," Sudharsan told JioHotstar. He added that while there is no fixed target number, the overarching aim is to "make the West Indies bat twice."
This strategy puts the visiting bowlers under immense pressure, forcing them to toil for long periods on a batting-friendly surface. The foundation was rock-solid, built on an unbeaten century from opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who remained not out on a magnificent 173. Sudharsan played the perfect supporting role, contributing a well-made 87 runs.
Composure and Clarity: Sudharsan's Mantra
Reflecting on his own innings, the left-hander highlighted the importance of a calm and composed mindset. Coming into the Test on the back of good form for India A, he deliberately avoided getting overwhelmed by the occasion. "I was not thinking about the pressure or the magnitude of the game," he stated. His pre-game plan was simple: take his time and let the innings flow naturally without forcing the pace.
He also heaped praise on his batting partner, Yashasvi Jaiswal, calling it "fantastic" to watch him from the non-striker's end. "The way he creates boundaries even off good deliveries is so fascinating to watch," Sudharsan remarked, acknowledging Jaiswal's ability to seize momentum.
Learning from Shubman Gill's Belief
Beyond his own performance, Sudharsan credited teammate Shubman Gill for providing crucial role clarity and serving as an inspiration. What he admires most about Gill is his unwavering self-belief and resilience. "What I admire most about him is his belief, the belief to come back stronger, to convert starts into big hundreds, and to make the team win," Sudharsan explained.
He emphasized that observing Gill's conviction up close is a learning experience. "When you see him up close, you realise how much conviction he plays with. I feel that's something I should learn from him, that self-belief is such an important quality to have," the young batter added, highlighting the intangible qualities that define top performers.
With India in a formidable position at 318/2, the team is perfectly poised to execute its plan. Day two will be about consolidation, with Jaiswal eyeing a double century and the middle order looking to pile on the runs. The West Indies bowlers face a daunting task to break this momentum and stage a fightback in the match.
