Sai Sudharsan’s name has become familiar to every IPL fan in recent seasons. He’s young, calm under pressure, and delivers match-winning performances in crunch moments. Yet, while his T20 career has soared, his Test cricket journey hasn’t taken off in the same way — at least not yet. What’s holding him back in the longer format?
A Bright Spark in the IPL
In the IPL, Sudharsan’s numbers speak for themselves. For instance, during the 2024 season, he scored 527 runs at an average of 39.07 and a strike rate of 137.43 — an impressive stat line for a batter still in his early 20s (source: ESPNcricinfo). Fans will remember his fearless approach in the final for Gujarat Titans in 2023, when he almost took them over the line with a brilliant 96.
He thrives in the IPL because it plays to his strengths: quick reflexes, fearless stroke-making, and the freedom to play aggressive shots from ball one. The format rewards his positive intent and fearless mindset.
Test Cricket: A Different Beast
First-class cricket, however, demands something different. Unlike the IPL’s fast-paced nature, the longer format tests technique, patience, and mental stamina. Bowlers have time to set traps, pitches deteriorate over days, and loose shots don’t go unpunished. So far, Sudharsan’s domestic red-ball stats haven’t quite matched his T20 success.
In the 2023–24 Ranji Trophy season, he averaged just under 35, which is steady but not spectacular for someone knocking on the national team’s door (source: BCCI). It suggests he’s still figuring out how to pace long innings and tackle conditions that change over multiple days.
What’s Holding Him Back?
One big factor is experience. Sudharsan is still learning the art of building an innings over hours — something T20s don’t really prepare you for. Plus, the IPL’s white ball stays true, while the red ball swings and seams for longer, especially in India’s early mornings.
Another aspect is opportunity. He’s cemented his spot as a reliable IPL top-order batter, but competition for middle-order and top-order spots in India’s Test side is fierce. Players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill have already made their mark, setting a high bar for newcomers.
Why There’s No Need to Panic
The good news? Time is on his side. Many modern players peak in Tests only after mastering the shorter formats. Sudharsan has already shown he can adapt — he’s technically solid and has the temperament to play big innings. With more red-ball games under his belt, the runs will come.
If he can translate his IPL confidence into the longer format, there’s every chance Sai Sudharsan will one day anchor India’s Test middle order too.
Final Thoughts
Sai Sudharsan’s IPL peak is no fluke — it’s the result of his fearless attitude and solid preparation. While the jump to Test cricket remains a work in progress, fans should be patient. After all, the next great Test innings could be just around the corner.
Sources:
Tanya Singh 
Baishali Karmakar