Despite India not being off to a good start on Day 4 of the first Test match, Washington Sundar fought until the end and stayed unbeaten, carving a crucial 85 from 138 deliveries. He didn’t receive ample support from the other end but was pretty impressive the way he carried on with his fine display with the bat. He was reeled into the team after Axar Patel was sidelined with a knee injury.
This is not the first time that Sundar has posted heroics with the willow in his hand. In the recently concluded test at Gabba, it was the crucial partnership of Sundar and Shardul Thakur that bailed India out of a first-innings collapse. His innings at Chepauk was a delight to watch as he played some exquisite strokes and also smashed a couple of sixes en route to his 85.
Ever since his arrival in Brisbane, Sundar has already hogged the limelight in the longest format of the sport and he continues to be a vital cog in the plans of the Indian gaffer. With all said and done, we will be looking at seven unknown facts about this youngster who is already making a lot of heads turn.
1.Washington Sundar was not named the capital city of the United States. He was christened after his father’s mentor, PD Washington. Washington Sundar started off as a wicket-keeping batsman. However, when his school team opted for another keeper, he was compelled to draft himself into an off-spinner.
2. He was drafted into the glittering ranks of Rising Pune Supergiants after he bowled exceptionally well against Steven Smith in the nets and going by the reports even managed to castle him clean.
3. He was extremely impressive at a very tender age and his stint at MRF Pace Academy under the chaperonage of M Senthilnathan honed him into an even better individual and as a sportsperson.
4. Sundar shot his way to fandom after he was picked up for the Indian U-19 squad at a very tender age of just 15 years. A couple of years later, he played an instrumental role in helping India reach the finals of the 2016 ICC U-19 World Cup.
5. Washington credits MS Dhoni and Steven Smith for honing him as a fine cricketer during his stint with Rising Pune Supergiants.
6. Washington was the seventh youngest cricketer to make his debut for India. He was only 18 years old when the nation came calling to live his dream which his father couldn’t live for himself.
