Washington Sundar: The Rising All Rounder of Indian Cricket

Washington Sundar, a versatile all-rounder, has emerged as a rising star in Indian cricket. Known for his off-spin prowess, left-handed batting, and composure under pressure, Sundar has delivered impactful performances across formats. From his early days in Tamil Nadu to shining on the international stage, his journey is a testament to dedication and talent, making him a key asset for Team India.

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Early Life and Background

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Washington Sundar was born on October 5, 1999, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, into a Tamil Hindu family. His father, Mani Sundar, was an aspiring cricketer who made it to the Tamil Nadu Ranji probables but did not play in the final squad. The unique name "Washington" was given to him in honor of his father's godfather, P.D. Washington, who was a significant influence in their lives. P.D. Washington supported Sundar's father during his cricketing journey by providing financial assistance for cricket gear and education, which left a lasting impact on the family.

From a young age, Washington showed a keen interest in cricket, starting to play at around four or five years old. He attended St. Bede's Anglo Indian Higher Secondary School, where he further developed his skills. Initially aspiring to be a batsman, he shifted his focus to off-spin bowling under the guidance of former Indian cricketer M. Venkataramana. His dedication and discipline in bowling helped him stand out in local competitions.

Sundar made his mark in youth cricket when he represented India in the 2016 Under-19 World Cup, where he showcased his all-round capabilities. His performances caught the attention of IPL franchises, leading to his debut with Rising Pune Supergiant at just 17 years old. His early life experiences and support from his family and mentors laid the foundation for what would become a promising cricketing career.

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Cricketing Journey

Washington Sundar's cricketing journey is a testament to his talent, hard work, and adaptability. Here’s a concise overview of his career:

Early Career

• Domestic Debut: Sundar made his first-class debut for Tamil Nadu in the 2016-17 Ranji Trophy on October 6, 2016, just two days after turning 17. His early performances showcased his potential as both a batsman and a bowler.

• Under-19 World Cup: He gained significant attention during the 2016 ICC Under-19 World Cup, where his all-round abilities caught the eye of selectors.

Indian Premier League (IPL)

• Rising Pune Supergiant: Sundar's IPL journey began in 2017 when he was signed as a replacement for Ravichandran Ashwin. He excelled with an impressive economy rate, taking 8 wickets in his debut season and earning the Player of the Match award in the playoffs against Mumbai Indians.

• Royal Challengers Bangalore: In 2018, he was acquired by RCB for INR 3.2 crores. Over the years, he became a key bowler for the franchise, particularly during the powerplay overs.

International Debut

• T20I and ODI: Sundar made his T20I debut against Sri Lanka on December 24, 2017, and quickly established himself as a reliable performer in limited-overs formats.

• Test Debut: His Test debut came unexpectedly during India's 2020-21 tour of Australia. Initially a net bowler, he played in the final Test at the Gabba, taking crucial wickets and scoring a vital half-century.

Current Status

As of now, Sundar continues to be a versatile player for India across formats, contributing significantly with both bat and ball while aiming to solidify his position in the national team. His journey reflects resilience and promise as he navigates through challenges in international cricket.

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Playing Style and Skills

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Washington Sundar's playing style and skills are characterized by versatility and a well-rounded approach, making him a valuable asset in any cricketing format.

Batting Style

• Left-Handed Batsman: Sundar is known for his elegant left-handed batting. He can adapt his game to various situations, whether stabilizing an innings or accelerating the scoring rate. His ability to play spin and pace effectively allows him to bat in different positions, typically in the lower-middle order.

• Aggressive Yet Controlled: While he can play aggressively when needed, Sundar often focuses on building partnerships and rotating the strike, showcasing his maturity as a batsman.

Bowling Skills

• Right-Arm Off-Spin: Sundar bowls right-arm off-spin and has developed his technique to become a more conventional off-spinner. His bowling is marked by:

  • Control and Precision: He maintains tight lines and lengths, making it difficult for batsmen to score freely.

  • Variations: Over time, he has incorporated variations like drift and drop, enhancing his effectiveness against both left-handers and right-handers. His recent focus on overspin has added bounce to his deliveries, making him a potent threat on turning tracks.

  • Adaptability: Sundar is capable of bowling in all phases of the game—powerplay, middle overs, and death overs—demonstrating his versatility as a bowler.

Fielding Ability

• Safe Fielder: In addition to his batting and bowling, Sundar is regarded as one of the safest fielders in the team. His agility and sharp reflexes contribute significantly to the team's defensive efforts.

Overall, Washington Sundar's combination of batting prowess, bowling skills, and fielding ability makes him an all-rounder that teams can rely on in various match situations. His continuous evolution as a player indicates a promising future in international cricket.

Significance of His Selection in Playing-11 in BGT 2024-25

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Washington Sundar's selection in the playing XI for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 is significant for several reasons that highlight his value to the Indian cricket team.

All-Rounder Capability

Sundar is recognized as a complete all-rounder, contributing effectively with both bat and ball. His ability to adapt his batting style according to match situations allows him to play crucial innings, whether stabilizing the middle order or accelerating scoring when needed. This flexibility is vital in Australia's unpredictable conditions, where the pitch can offer varying challenges.

Performance in Australian Conditions

Sundar has previously demonstrated his prowess in Australia, notably during his debut Test at the Gabba in 2021, where he excelled with both bat and ball. He took three wickets and scored a vital 62 runs in a challenging situation, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure against a formidable Australian side1. His experience and success in these conditions make him a strategic choice for the current series.

Future Planning

With the aging of established players like Ravichandran Ashwin, Sundar's inclusion reflects India's long-term strategy to build a robust squad for the future. Former cricketer Harbhajan Singh noted that Sundar's selection over Ashwin indicates a focus on preparing younger players for upcoming challenges. This move not only strengthens the current team but also ensures continuity in India's spin department.

Recent Form

Sundar's recent performances in domestic cricket have been impressive, including a remarkable innings of 152 runs in the Ranji Trophy. Such form boosts his confidence and makes him an attractive option for the national team. His consistent run-scoring ability and wicket-taking skills position him as a key player who can influence matches significantly.

In summary, Washington Sundar's selection for Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 is pivotal due to his all-round capabilities, proven performance in Australian conditions, alignment with India's future plans, and current form, making him an essential part of India's strategy against Australia.

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His Importance in Ongoing BGT 2024-25

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Washington Sundar's importance in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 is underscored by several key factors that highlight his contributions to the Indian cricket team.

All-Round Capabilities

Sundar's versatility as an all-rounder is crucial for India's balance in the playing XI. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball provides depth to the lineup, allowing the team to adapt to various match situations. In the first Test against Australia in Perth, he scored 33 runs and took two wickets, demonstrating his capacity to perform in critical moments. This dual skill set is particularly valuable in a series where every run and wicket can significantly influence the outcome.

Proven Performance Against Australia

Sundar has a track record of success against Australia, having played a pivotal role in India's historic victory at the Gabba in 2021. His calm demeanor under pressure and ability to deliver when it matters most make him a reliable option against a formidable opponent1. His past performances instill confidence not only in his abilities but also in his teammates, which is vital during high-stakes matches.

Tactical Advantage on Subcontinental Pitches

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 is being played on Indian pitches that typically favor spin bowlers. Sundar's off-spin bowling can exploit these conditions effectively, offering India an additional weapon against Australian batsmen who may struggle with spin. His height allows him to generate extra bounce, making him a challenging bowler on turning tracks. This tactical advantage enhances India's chances of taking crucial wickets and controlling the game's pace.

In conclusion, Washington Sundar's all-round skills, proven performance against Australia, and ability to exploit home conditions make him an integral part of India's strategy in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. His presence adds both depth and flexibility to the team, reinforcing his significance in this competitive series.

What Makes Washington Sundar a Strong Contender for the Indian Team

Washington Sundar stands out as a strong contender for the Indian cricket team due to his unique blend of skills and adaptability. His journey from a promising young talent to a reliable all-rounder exemplifies his growth in the sport.

All-Rounder Versatility

Sundar's ability to contribute significantly with both bat and ball makes him invaluable. As a left-handed batsman, he can anchor innings or accelerate scoring, showcasing his aggressive yet controlled batting style. His impressive performances, including a notable half-century on Test debut, highlight his capability to perform under pressure.

Bowling Prowess

Primarily recognized as an off-spinner, Sundar possesses exceptional control and variation. His ability to take wickets consistently in crucial phases of the game allows him to restrict runs and apply pressure on opponents. This skill set is particularly advantageous in Test matches, where he can exploit turning conditions effectively.

Recent Form and Experience

Sundar's recent performances in domestic cricket and the IPL have solidified his reputation as a dependable player. His experience in high-stakes matches, especially against formidable opponents like Australia, enhances his appeal for selection. Moreover, his commitment to honing both his batting and bowling skills ensures he remains a well-rounded asset for the team.

In summary, Washington Sundar's all-round capabilities, proven track record, and continuous development position him as a key player for India's future endeavors on the international stage.

What Specific Skills Does Washington Sundar Bring as All-Rounder?

Washington Sundar brings a diverse set of skills to the Indian cricket team as an all-rounder, making him a valuable asset.

Bowling Skills

• Right-Arm Off-Spin: Sundar is known for his effective off-spin bowling, characterized by tight lines and the ability to extract bounce due to his height. He can bowl in various phases of the game, including powerplay and middle overs, which adds flexibility to the bowling attack.

Batting Prowess

• Left-Handed Batsman: Initially recognized as a top-order batsman, Sundar has adapted to batting in different positions. His ability to stabilize innings or accelerate scoring makes him a reliable lower-order option. Recent performances have showcased his potential to contribute significant runs under pressure.

Fielding Ability

• Safe Fielder: Sundar is also one of the safest fielders in the team, known for his agility and sharp reflexes, which contribute to the team’s overall defensive strength.

These attributes collectively enhance Sundar's role as a dynamic all-rounder, capable of influencing matches with both bat and ball while providing strategic depth to the team.

Future Prospects in International Cricket

Washington Sundar's future prospects in international cricket appear bright, driven by his all-round capabilities and continuous improvement mindset. As a versatile player, he has already made significant contributions across formats, particularly in Tests and T20s.

Continuous Improvement

Sundar emphasizes the importance of refining his skills to secure his place in the national squad. His commitment to giving 100% in every practice session and match reflects a strong work ethic that is essential for sustained success at the international level.

All-Format Potential

Having demonstrated his prowess in various roles, including a standout performance with 7 wickets in a recent Test match against New Zealand, Sundar is positioning himself as a key player for India across all formats. His adaptability allows him to bat effectively in different positions, as evidenced by his recent innings at No. 3 in the Ranji Trophy, where he scored 152 runs.

Leadership Aspirations

With ambitions to establish himself as a mainstay in the team, Sundar's calm demeanor and strategic understanding of the game could see him take on leadership roles in the future. His experience in high-pressure situations positions him well for potential captaincy opportunities.

In summary, Washington Sundar's dedication to improvement, proven all-round abilities, and leadership potential make him a promising prospect for India's cricketing future.

Domestic and IPL career

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Washington Sundar's domestic and IPL career has been marked by consistent performances and significant contributions as an all-rounder.

Domestic Career

Sundar began his professional journey with Tamil Nadu, making his first-class debut in the 2016-17 Ranji Trophy. Over the years, he has developed into a key player for his state team, showcasing his skills with both bat and ball.

IPL Career

Sundar's IPL journey started in 2017 when he was picked by Rising Pune Supergiant. He later joined Royal Challengers Bangalore, where he became known for his economical bowling and ability to contribute valuable runs down the order. Currently, he plays for Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Summary Table

Washington Sundar's contributions in domestic cricket and the IPL have firmly established him as a reliable all-rounder, paving the way for his continued involvement in international cricket.

International career

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Washington Sundar's international career has been marked by his versatility as an all-rounder, contributing significantly in all formats of the game. He made his debut in 2017 and has since established himself as a reliable player for India.

Key Milestones

• ODI Debut: Sundar made his One Day International debut against Sri Lanka on December 13, 2017. Although he had a slow start, he made a strong comeback in 2022, taking crucial wickets and scoring valuable runs.

• T20I Debut: He played his first T20I match on December 24, 2017, against Sri Lanka, quickly becoming known for his economical bowling and ability to take wickets in crucial moments.

• Test Debut: His Test debut came during the historic series against Australia in January 2021, where he impressed with both bat and ball.

Performance Overview

Washington Sundar's ability to perform in high-pressure situations and his all-round contributions make him a vital asset for the Indian cricket team as they look to build a strong squad for future challenges.

Washington Sundar Overall Stats

As of 2024, Washington Sundar has established himself as a versatile all-rounder for India across various formats. Here’s a summary of his overall statistics:

Key Highlights

• Test Career: In his Test career, Sundar has scored three half-centuries, with a highest score of 96, and has taken a total of 24 wickets, showcasing his ability to contribute significantly with both bat and ball.

• ODI Performance: His ODI performances include a top score of 51, and he has been effective in taking wickets at crucial moments, with a best bowling figure of 3/30.

• T20I Contributions: In T20 internationals, he has taken an impressive number of wickets (47) while maintaining a solid economy rate, making him a valuable asset in the shortest format.

Washington Sundar's stats reflect his potential as a key player for India in the future, capable of influencing matches across different formats.

Conclusion

Washington Sundar has established himself as a vital player for India through his all-round capabilities and consistent performances. His journey from early life through domestic success to international acclaim illustrates not only talent but also hard work and determination.

As India navigates through crucial tournaments like Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25, Sundar’s role becomes increasingly significant—his ability to perform under pressure makes him an asset that could lead India toward success on both home soil and abroad. With promising prospects ahead, Washington Sundar is set to remain an influential figure in Indian cricket for years to come.