Fearless Sai Sudharsan hopes to emulate childhood friend Washington Sundar

“The pre-season prep was a massive opportunity for us,” Sai Sudharsan says. “Before coming into the season, we had already played a stronger, difficult team. The domestic season didn’t feel like the start for us – we had already competed against a strong Bangladesh side. I feel that that preparation helped us to stay one step ahead of the opposition in domestic cricket. We were ready once the season started.”The coaches and the support staff have always given us the freedom to express ourselves and play our game, right from the Syed Mushtaq Ali [tournament]. They have just given us the platform to express ourselves and that has given us greater confidence for the season.”After posting a century on Ranji debut, Sai Sudharsan told that he hoped to emulate his state senior Washington Sundar, who had made an early impression in the domestic circles and then pressed on to higher honours. Sai Sudharsan and Washington go back a long way, having first met when the former was about ten and was up against the latter in school cricket.”There’s a little story. I was around ten when I started playing cricket seriously,” Sai Sudharsan recalls. “He was playing for St Bedes and I was playing for DAV school. That was the first time I met Washy, and he hit a century. I used to bowl legspin at the time and from that day onwards, I’ve always liked him and admired him a lot.Sai Sudharsan on N Jagadeesan: “I think we have a good understanding and whenever we play together, it’s always a two-way communication”•Daya Sagar/ESPNcricinfo”After that game, I remember I was crying and Washy came and consoled me. (I like Washy a lot). I also remember the TNPL put up that social post when I made my debut and then I realised my batting is similar to him.”Bad light denied Tamil Nadu an unlikely win in Hyderabad, but Sai Sudharsan is now looking forward to teaming up with his opening partner N Jagadeesan again in Coimbatore next week for what will be a “home” game for both players. Jagadeesan was born and brought up in Coimbatore while Sai Sudharsan plays for the franchise that represents the city in the TNPL. In July earlier this year, Jagadeesan and Sai Sudharsan had shared the TNPL title in Coimbatore.”What do I say? I think we have a good understanding and whenever we play together, it’s always a two-way communication,” Sai Sudharsan says of his partnership with Jagadeesan. “Whatever I feel, I communicate it to Jaggi. Even today during the chase, we kept sharing information and that understanding has got better. Obviously, he’s playing monster innings and I’m hoping his dream patch continues for long.”We’re playing the next game in Jaggi’s hometown and playing there for Lyca has also been special. Looking forward to another good match there in Coimbatore.”