Sai Sudharsan says selectors asked him to play Ranji Trophy as preparation for New Zealand tour
Sai Sudharsan said on Wednesday in Jaipur that the National selectors had asked him to play in the Ranji Trophy as part of his preparation for India’s upcoming tour of New Zealand. He added that he has been studying old Indian Test matches in New Zealand to understand the conditions there.
Sudharsan had been on India-A duty in Puducherry and arrived here “at 10.40 p.m.” on the eve of Tamil Nadu’s Ranji Trophy opener. “There was a day’s break between games in Puducherry. On that day (October 10), our manager told me that the selectors had asked me to play the Ranji Trophy,” he said.
After the first day’s play in Jaipur, Sudharsan spoke directly with Pragyan Ojha. “After the first day’s play here, I spoke with Pragyan Ojha (interim chief National selector). He said it would be good for the upcoming New Zealand series — for preparation and all. That was the clarity from their side.”
On how he is preparing for conditions in New Zealand, Sudharsan said he has been reviewing footage of past Tests. “I have gathered a little information. It will be a bit windy, and there will be good bounce. It will be almost similar to England, but there will be a bit more lateral movement. “Sachin paaji has scored there, so I watched his batting. I watched Dravid sir’s batting. I try to grab knowledge from that and execute whatever is possible for me,” he said.
The 24-year-old also addressed missing the Test series in Sri Lanka because of a toe stress fracture. On that setback, he said: “I wasn’t disappointed because I believe everything good is ahead of us. The last few injuries have been freakish, but because of them, I’ve probably gotten better with my habits and have a better understanding of how to take care of my body... how much I bat and things like that”.
Sudharsan was due to play in Tamil Nadu’s Ranji Trophy opener against Rajasthan on October 10 after being asked by the selectors to feature in the domestic match as preparation for the New Zealand tour.
