Washington Sundar is one of India’s most promising young all-rounders, known for his exceptional skills with both bat and ball. As a left-arm off-spinner and a handy left-handed batsman, Sundar has proven to be a valuable asset in all formats of the game. Whether it’s his role as a bowler in the middle overs or his composed batting in the lower order, Sundar’s consistency and maturity for his age have made him an integral part of India’s limited-overs squad and a key player in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
His performances with the ball, especially in T20Is and ODIs, have showcased his ability to control the game, while his batting contributions down the order have earned him a reputation as a match-finisher.
Washington Sundar’s Early Life and Cricketing Journey
Born on October 5, 1999, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Washington Sundar developed a passion for cricket from a young age. His father, a cricket enthusiast, encouraged him to pursue the sport, and Sundar soon made his way into the Tamil Nadu U-16 and U-19 teams. Known for his precision and flighted deliveries, Sundar quickly rose through the domestic ranks, impressing selectors with his talent and consistency.
Sundar’s breakthrough came when he was picked for the Indian national team in 2017 for the T20I series against Sri Lanka. His performances in domestic cricket, particularly in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy, earned him a spot in India’s limited-overs squad. Sundar’s IPL debut with Rising Pune Supergiants in 2017 was another important milestone, and his consistent performances led to his selection for the national team.
Key Milestones:
Domestic Debut: 2016 for Tamil Nadu
IPL Debut: 2017 for Rising Pune Supergiants
International Debut: 2017 (T20I) against Sri Lanka
Test Debut: 2021 against Australia (Ashes series)
Washington Sundar’s Bowling Strengths and Skills
Washington Sundar is a highly skilled left-arm off-spinner, known for his ability to bowl in the middle overs and apply pressure on the batsmen. His bowling technique revolves around accuracy, flight, and subtle variations, allowing him to deceive batsmen with both his pace and trajectory. Sundar’s ability to bowl the ball consistently in the right areas has made him a key figure in India’s spin department.
Sundar is particularly effective in T20 cricket, where his economy rate and wicket-taking ability make him a crucial bowler for India. He has been instrumental in breaking partnerships and maintaining pressure, especially when bowling in the middle overs of a T20I match.
Bowling Highlights:
T20I Bowling Average: 23.30
ODI Bowling Average: 32.40
Best T20I Performance: 4/20 against Sri Lanka (2021)
Best ODI Performance: 2/45 against Australia (2021)
Best Test Performance: 3/34 against Australia (2021)
Washington Sundar’s Batting Strengths and Skills
Although primarily known for his bowling, Washington Sundar has also developed into a reliable lower-order batsman for India. His ability to stabilize the innings and score quick runs in the lower order has made him a key all-rounder for India. Known for his calm temperament and ability to play the big shots when needed, Sundar has contributed to match-winning partnerships, especially in tight situations.
His left-handed batting style and ability to rotate the strike or accelerate when required add value to his role as an all-rounder. Sundar’s top score of 96 against Australia in the 2021 Test series* showcased his batting potential, and his contributions in limited-overs formats further demonstrate his adaptability and match-finishing capabilities.
Batting Highlights:
T20I Batting Average: 25.30
ODI Batting Average: 22.50
Test Batting Average: 25.00
Best ODI Performance: 33 runs against Sri Lanka (2021)
Best Test Performance: 96* runs against Australia (2021)
Best T20I Performance: 31 runs off 22 balls against West Indies (2021)
Washington Sundar’s Records and Achievements
Washington Sundar’s rise through the cricketing ranks has been rapid, and his records continue to reflect his growth as an all-rounder. His ability to perform with both bat and ball has made him one of the most exciting young cricketers in the world.
Key Records:
Most wickets for an Indian bowler in a T20I series (4 wickets in 2021 against Sri Lanka)
Youngest Indian to score 50+ runs in an ODI while batting in the lower order
First Indian to take 3 wickets in a Test match at the Gabba during the 2021 series against Australia
Most economical bowler for India in T20Is with an economy rate under 7 in 2021
His ability to perform under pressure and contribute in critical moments has earned him recognition as one of the top all-rounders for India.
Washington Sundar’s Contribution to IPL and Franchise Cricket
Washington Sundar made his IPL debut with Rising Pune Supergiants in 2017, and his consistent performances with the ball led to his selection for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in subsequent seasons. Sundar’s ability to bowl economically in the middle overs, combined with his match-winning batting performances, has made him a key player in the IPL.
IPL Batting Average: 30.50
IPL Bowling Average: 27.80
Best IPL Performance: 3/19 against Kolkata Knight Riders (2021)
Impact: Key bowler for RCB; Known for his ability to bowl in the middle overs and contribute with the bat
Sundar’s performances in the IPL have made him one of the top young all-rounders in the T20 format, and he continues to be a valuable player for RCB.
Washington Sundar’s Role in Indian Cricket
Washington Sundar’s role as a bowling all-rounder has become more prominent in recent years. His ability to bowl with precision and contribute with the bat in the lower order makes him a key player in India’s middle-order rotation. Sundar has excelled in T20Is, ODIs, and Test cricket, playing crucial roles with both bat and ball in India’s victories over major teams.
Sundar’s ability to contribute in both spin-heavy conditions and flat tracks makes him a versatile player for India, and his growing reputation has positioned him as one of the top all-rounders in India’s cricketing future.
Washington Sundar’s Fitness and Professionalism
Washington Sundar is known for his commitment to fitness, which has been essential in maintaining his performance as an all-rounder. His agility and stamina allow him to bowl long spells while maintaining accuracy, and his work ethic has allowed him to improve both his bowling and batting skills.
Sundar’s professionalism and ability to maintain peak physical condition make him a consistent performer for India across formats.
Washington Sundar’s Legacy and Future
The future for Washington Sundar in Indian cricket looks incredibly bright. His all-rounder capabilities, particularly in limited-overs cricket, have made him a critical player for India. With his consistency with both bat and ball, Sundar is expected to play a key role in India’s fast-paced international calendar, including future ICC events.
As India continues to build a strong squad for the T20 World Cup and ODI World Cup, Sundar’s role as a dependable all-rounder will be crucial to India’s success in the coming years.
Washington Sundar’s Career, Achievements, and Impact
Here’s a quick overview of Washington Sundar’s career:
Category |
Details |
Debut |
IPL: 2017; Domestic: 2016; T20I: 2017; Test: 2021 |
Key Achievements |
– Youngest to score 50+ runs in ODIs – Most wickets for an Indian bowler in a T20I series (2021) |
Batting Stats |
IPL Batting Average: 30.50 T20I Batting Average: 25.30 |
Bowling Stats |
IPL Bowling Average: 27.80 T20I Bowling Average: 23.00 |
Impact in IPL |
Key all-rounder for RCB; excels in middle-overs bowling and handy with bat |
Fitness |
Known for agility, stamina, and strong commitment to fitness |
Washington Sundar’s International Matches
Here’s a breakdown of some of Washington Sundar’s most significant international performances:
Match Type |
Opponent |
Date |
Venue |
Washington Sundar’s Performance |
Test |
Australia |
2021 |
Brisbane |
3 wickets and 96* runs, match-saving performance |
ODI |
Sri Lanka |
2021 |
Colombo |
33 runs and 2 wickets, crucial in India’s win |
T20I |
Sri Lanka |
2021 |
Colombo |
4/20, player of the match performance |
IPL |
Kolkata Knight Riders |
2021 |
Dubai |
3/19, key spell for RCB in a tight match |
Test |
Australia |
2021 |
Melbourne |
2 wickets and 31 runs, crucial performance for India |
Washington Sundar’s Bowling Prowess: Format-by-Format Breakdown
Format Matches Innings Wickets Average Best Figures
Format |
Matches |
Innings |
Wickets |
Average |
Best Figures |
Test |
3 |
6 |
8 |
25.00 |
3/34 |
ODI |
6 |
6 |
8 |
32.00 |
3/48 |
T20I |
8 |
8 |
12 |
23.00 |
4/20 |
Washington Sundar’s Impact Beyond the Field
Off the field, Washington Sundar’s dedication to improving his skills, his work ethic, and his professionalism have made him an ideal role model for young cricketers. His ability to contribute consistently in both formats has established him as one of India’s most promising all-rounders.