Washington Sundar's explosive performance at the Oval, following his defensive game at Old Trafford, underscores his versatility in virtually any cricket situation.
Washington Sundar: India's Rising Test All-rounder
Washington Sundar, the 25-year-old cricketer from India, has been making waves in the world of Test cricket with his impressive performances as a batting all-rounder. With 13 Test matches under his belt, Sundar has proven his worth, particularly in the lower order.
Sundar's batting average of 29.88 at the eighth position and 38.9 among Indian players batting at No.8 or below (min 10 innings) is a testament to his resilience and quick scoring ability under pressure. His recent performances have been crucial, such as his match-winning last-wicket partnership against England at The Oval in August 2025, where his quickfire half-century helped India set a challenging target and contributed to a narrow victory.
Sundar's all-round skills are not limited to his batting prowess. He is also an effective off-spin bowler, picking up 30 wickets in 11 Tests. His seven-wicket haul in his first outing with the ball is a clear demonstration of his potential.
Former India coach Ravi Shastri has expressed confidence that Sundar can become India's most reliable and greatest all-rounder in Test cricket. Shastri's vision for Sundar includes a long-term Test career due to his consistent ability to contribute significantly with both bat and ball.
The trend in modern cricket is moving towards investing in multi-utility players, moving away from specialists. Sundar embodies this ideal, as he can bat a day down on difficult surfaces like those in Manchester, score quickly on turning tracks, and even run through lineups on unhelpful pitches, such as those at Lord's.
Sundar's adaptability has been evident in his performances in foreign conditions, including England. Before his Oval knock, Sundar had only ever hit two sixes in a Test innings twice. However, his 39-ball fifty in south London showed that he can pulverise bowling attacks when given the opportunity.
Despite his success, Sundar has faced criticism for not getting a permanent spot in the top seven. However, his performances, particularly his 101 run innings at the fifth position, suggest that he is more than capable of batting higher up the order if needed.
In summary, Washington Sundar is currently an impactful all-rounder for India, with a pivotal role in batting and off-spin bowling, and is widely considered a key part of India's future core in Test cricket due to his proven skill set and growing experience. His adaptability, consistency, and potential make him a valuable asset to the Indian cricket team.
Washington Sundar's impactful performances in Test cricket have made him a potential candidate for sports-analysis discussions and international cricket broadcasts. His ability to perform effectively across various conditions and bat a day down as well as score quickly make him a target for sports-betting enthusiasts who predict his future contributions in the world of cricket.
