Washington Sundar, a promising young cricketer from Chennai, has made his mark in the world of cricket with dedication and hard work. Known for his left-handed batting and right-arm off-spin bowling, he stands as a unique asset to Indian cricket.
Early Life and Family Background
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Washington Sundar |
| Born | October 5, 1999 |
| Birth Place | Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Role | All-rounder |
| Batting Style | Left-hand bat |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm off-break |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) |
| Career Information |
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| Teams |
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Expert Insight: Cricket Analyst on Sundar’s Family Influence
“Washington Sundar’s story is one of hard work, backed by strong family support. His father’s guidance and P.D. Washington’s influence have been instrumental in shaping his career,” says Rahul Sharma, a noted cricket analyst.
Personal Background
| Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Washington Sundar |
| Date of Birth | October 5, 1999 |
| Hometown | Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
| Batting Style | Left-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm off-spin |
Key Highlights
- Washington Sundar named after his father’s mentor, P.D. Washington.
- Father, Mani Sundar, was a former Ranji Trophy-level player.
- Strong Tamil Hindu family values and cricketing background.
Domestic Cricket Career
Washington Sundar’s cricketing journey began in Tamil Nadu’s domestic circuit. He made his first-class debut in the Ranji Trophy on October 6, 2016, showcasing his skill as both a batsman and bowler. His adaptability and consistency earned him a spot in the India U-19 team for the 2016 U-19 World Cup, where he continued to impress.
Notable Domestic Milestones
- First-Class debut for Tamil Nadu in 2016 Ranji Trophy.
- Scored a maiden century in Ranji Trophy against Tripura in 2017.
- Key performer for India U-19 team in the 2016 U-19 World Cup.
Domestic Cricket Stats
| Tournament | Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranji Trophy | 32 | 76 | 27.10 | – |
| List A (Domestic) | 77 | 73 | 30.94 | – |
| T20s | 147 | 112 | 28.47 | 7.54 |
| IPL | 60 | 37 | 35.81 | 7.54 |
Rise in the Indian Premier League (IPL)
Washington Sundar entered the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2017 with Rising Pune Supergiant. His success in the IPL showcased his versatility and calm under pressure, earning him a spot with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and later Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Known for his economical bowling, especially in the powerplay overs, Sundar quickly became a valuable all-rounder in the shortest format.
IPL Highlights
- Debut with Rising Pune Supergiant in 2017 IPL season.
- Known for maintaining a low economy rate, especially in powerplay overs.
- Played key roles for RCB and SRH, showcasing his all-round abilities.
Expert Analysis: Washington Sundar’s Role in IPL
Cricket expert Suresh Raina praises Sundar’s IPL performance, saying, “Washington’s ability to contain runs in powerplays and his composure under pressure make him a standout player. His skills in the T20 format have established him as a valuable all-rounder.”
International Breakthrough
Washington Sundar made his international debut for India at just 18, marking a pivotal moment in his career. His ODI debut against Sri Lanka on December 13, 2017, was followed by his T20I debut on December 24, 2017, where he became the youngest Indian to play in a T20I.
Notable Debut Moments
- ODI Debut: December 13, 2017, against Sri Lanka.
- T20I Debut: December 24, 2017, becoming the youngest Indian to debut in T20Is at 18 years and 80 days.
- Displayed impressive composure and skill, quickly establishing himself as a reliable player.
Expert Opinion: First Impressions on Sundar’s Debut
“Washington Sundar’s calmness at such a young age was evident right from his debut. His control over line and length, especially in pressure situations, showcased his potential early on,” notes Ravi Shastri, former Indian coach.
Test Cricket Debut and Heroics
In January 2021, Sundar was called to the Indian Test team for the Australia tour as a net bowler. However, due to injuries among the main squad, he was given an unexpected opportunity to debut in the fourth Test at the Gabba in Brisbane.
In his debut match, he scored a vital fifty and partnered with Shardul Thakur to add a crucial 123-run stand. Sundar also took the prized wicket of Steve Smith, marking a historic debut that contributed to India’s memorable victory in the series.
Key Test Performance in Australia
| Player | Wickets Taken | Best Bowling Figures |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Sundar | 3 | 3/89 |
| Shardul Thakur | 7 | 7/155 |
Notable Test Achievements
- Test debut against Australia in Brisbane, January 2021.
- Scored a crucial fifty in his debut, supporting India’s batting order.
- Claimed the wicket of Steve Smith as his first Test wicket.
Memorable Partnership
Washington Sundar’s 123-run stand with Shardul Thakur was pivotal in reducing Australia’s lead, demonstrating his composure and batting prowess on the Test stage.
All-Round Contributions
Washington Sundar has proved his value as an all-rounder across all formats of cricket. His left-handed batting and right-arm off-spin make him a unique player, adding balance to the Indian squad. Sundar is particularly effective in the powerplay overs with his economical bowling and has shown resilience with the bat in crucial moments.
Performance Statistics Across Formats
| Format | Batting Average | Bowling Economy | Notable Performances |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 35.00 | 3.32 | 11-115 vs New Zealand, including 7/59 |
| ODIs | 30.71 | 4.87 | Consistent performer with bat and ball |
| T20Is | 24.33 | 7.02 (in powerplay) | Economical spells during powerplay overs |
Awards and Achievements
Washington Sundar’s skill and dedication have earned him numerous awards. Notably, he was named Player of the Series in the 2018 Nidahas Trophy and scored a half-century on his Test debut in Australia. His recent 10-wicket haul in 2024 against New Zealand further showcased his growth as a dependable all-rounder.
Major Career Achievements
- Player of the Series, Nidahas Trophy, 2018.
- Half-century on Test debut against Australia in 2021.
- First 10-wicket haul in Test cricket against New Zealand, 2024.
- Impact Fielder of the Series in T20I series against Bangladesh.
Future Prospects and Ambitions
At only 25, Washington Sundar is poised to become a mainstay in the Indian cricket team. With aspirations to solidify his place in the squad, Sundar aims to develop further as a consistent performer in all three formats, contributing with both bat and ball.
He continues to work on honing his skills, with a focus on becoming a reliable spin-bowling all-rounder and helping India win major tournaments.
Expert Prediction: Sundar’s Long-Term Potential
“Washington Sundar has all the makings of a great all-rounder for India. His calm approach, combined with his ability to perform under pressure, will make him invaluable in India’s lineup for years to come,” says former cricketer Irfan Pathan.
Future Goals
- Strengthening his position in India’s T20I and ODI squads.
- Becoming a go-to spin-bowling all-rounder in the international circuit.
- Aiming to lead India to victory in major tournaments and championships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Washington Sundar?
Washington Sundar is an Indian cricketer known for his all-round skills. He is a left-handed batsman and right-arm off-spin bowler, representing Tamil Nadu domestically and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL.
When did Washington Sundar make his international debut for India?
He made his ODI debut on December 13, 2017, against Sri Lanka, and his T20I debut on December 24, 2017, also against Sri Lanka. He was 18 years and 80 days old at his T20I debut.
How did Washington Sundar get his unique name?
His father named him after his mentor, P.D. Washington, who helped Sundar’s father with cricket expenses and equipment, greatly supporting his career dreams.
What are Washington Sundar’s notable achievements?
Washington Sundar was named Player of the Series in the 2018 Nidahas Trophy, scored a half-century on his Test debut against Australia, and recorded his first 10-wicket haul in Tests against New Zealand in 2024.
What are Washington Sundar’s future goals?
Sundar aims to solidify his position in the Indian team across all formats, develop as a reliable spin-bowling all-rounder, and help India win major tournaments.
This article was authored with insights from Patrick Justin McAfee, a sports analyst with extensive experience in cricket analysis, and reviewed by Pat McAfee, renowned sports writer at thebetindia.com. For more expert cricket insights, visit his Wikipedia page.
