Sai Sudharsan for India. [Source - AFP]The much-anticipated two-match Test series between India and New Zealand is around a month away. With the first round of the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy kicking off last week, Indian players are busy with red-ball cricket.Sai Sudharsan, one of the contenders to make it to India's Test squad for the high-profile New Zealand series, has revealed his preparation process. The left-hander is watching old videos of Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid to understand the conditions.Sai Sudharsan Reveals Watching Tendulkar And Dravid's Videos Ahead Of NZ TourSai Sudharsan was in action for Tamil Nadu against Rajasthan in Jaipur during the first round of the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season. He scored three in the first innings before remaining unbeaten on 26 as Tamil Nadu salvaged a draw at Sawai Mansingh Stadium.After the match, Sudharsan spoke about his preparation and mindset with the New Zealand tour in sight. The 24-year-old revealed that he has been watching footage of Tendulkar and Dravid batting in New Zealand to understand the conditions better.“Sachin paaji has scored a lot there, so I was watching his batting. After that, I watched Dravid sir’s batting,” Sudharsan said as quoted by The Indian Express.'ALSO READHCA Member, Son Among 4 Arrested For Selling Free Match Passes For IND vs WI 4th T20IThe left-handed batter explained that watching the two Indian legends helps him understand how deeply they study the game, pitches and conditions. He hopes to learn from their approach and apply those lessons to his own batting during the upcoming New Zealand tour.Sai Sudharsan Eyes Test Spot After India A AssignmentSai Sudharsan is also part of the India A squad and will be eager to make his case for the senior Test team. He missed the Sri Lanka series through injury, allowing Devdutt Padikkal to step up at number three.Padikkal scored two centuries in Sudharsan's absence, setting up an unspoken competition between the two left-handers. Both are part of India A's squad for three multi-day matches starting October 24 in Lincoln, where performances could influence selection.Sudharsan has scored 383 runs in seven Tests at an average of 31.91, including three half-centuries. With his maiden Test century still awaited, studying Tendulkar and Dravid's videos could help him prepare for India A and a possible Test stint in New Zealand.ALSO READWhy Are Umpires Wearing Black Armbands In IND vs WI 4th T20I?
