The Enigmatic All-Rounder: Understanding Washington Sundar's Journey

 

The Enigmatic All-Rounder: Understanding Washington Sundar's Journey

Introduction: A Talent Forged in Versatility

Indian cricket has a long and storied history of producing exceptional spin bowlers and elegant left-handed batsmen. Rarely, however, does one encounter a player who seamlessly blends both these disciplines with an air of understated brilliance. Washington Sundar, a right-arm off-break bowler and a left-handed middle-order batsman from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, is one such rare talent. His emergence onto the international scene was marked by a calm demeanor, an uncanny ability to bowl economically in the powerplay, and a knack for scoring crucial runs under pressure.

From his early days as a top-order batsman who later honed his off-spin, Sundar's career has been characterized by adaptability and a continuous pursuit of balance in his all-round game. Yet, his journey has also been punctuated by frustrating injury setbacks that have often derailed his momentum at crucial junctures. This blog delves into the fascinating career of Washington Sundar, exploring his unique skillset, his significant contributions to Indian cricket, and the challenges he continues to navigate as he strives for consistent international presence.

Description: The Multidimensional Game of Washington Sundar

Washington Sundar's cricketing profile is that of a modern-day all-rounder – a player who can influence the game significantly with both bat and ball, providing invaluable flexibility to any team he represents.

The Bowling Maestro: Economy and Control

Sundar's primary skill, especially in white-ball cricket, is his right-arm off-spin. What makes him stand out is not necessarily his wicket-taking prowess, but his exceptional economy, particularly in the powerplay overs (the first six overs of a T20 innings or first ten of an ODI). Bowling with the new ball, when batsmen are looking to attack, requires immense control and a brave heart. Sundar consistently delivers tight lines and lengths, stifling scoring opportunities and building pressure. This ability has made him a go-to bowler for captains in various T20 leagues and for India.

His arm ball, which skids straight on, is a potent weapon, often catching batsmen off guard. He rarely offers much width or easy runs, forcing batsmen to take risks. This conservative yet effective approach makes him a valuable asset, especially in formats where runs come at a premium. His economy rate in T20Is has often hovered around or below 7 runs an over, which is excellent for a spinner bowling in crucial phases.

While his white-ball bowling is characterized by control, his Test bowling has shown more wicket-taking potential on conducive surfaces. A recent highlight was his 7/59 against New Zealand in October 2024, a stellar performance that marked his return to Test cricket and showcased his ability to exploit helpful conditions. He also claimed his maiden 10-wicket haul in that series, further indicating his growing prowess in the longest format.

The Batting Contributor: Gritty and Elegant

Originally starting as a top-order batsman, Sundar has evolved into a reliable lower-middle-order batsman capable of scoring crucial runs. His left-handed batting provides a valuable right-left combination in the middle order, disrupting bowling rhythms. He possesses a calm temperament and a clean hitting technique, capable of finding gaps and clearing boundaries when needed.

His Test batting record, though in a small sample size, is quite impressive. He averages over 40 in Test cricket, a remarkable feat for a player batting at number seven or eight. His gritty 62 on debut at the Gabba against Australia in 2021 was instrumental in India's historic series win, showcasing his composure and ability to perform under pressure against a formidable bowling attack. He followed that up with an unbeaten 96 against England in 2021, another testament to his potential with the bat in the longest format. More recently, in a Test against England in July 2025, he scored 42, further cementing his place as a reliable lower-order contributor.

In white-ball cricket, while his T20I batting average is relatively low (around 13-14), his strike rate suggests he can play quick cameos. In ODIs, he has a half-century to his name, indicating his capability to contribute valuable runs when the top order falters. His ability to anchor an innings or accelerate as per the situation makes him a versatile batting option.

The Injury Conundrum: A Recurring Nightmare

Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of Washington Sundar's career has been his persistent tryst with injuries. Just when he seems to be building momentum and cementing his place in the national squad, an injury surfaces, sidelining him for extended periods.

His injury history is quite extensive:

• 2021: A finger injury during India's tour of England forced him out of the second half of the IPL and the T20 World Cup.

• Early 2022: A hamstring injury ruled him out of T20I series against West Indies and Sri Lanka.

• Mid-2022: Injured his hand while playing for Lancashire in the Royal London One-Day Cup, leading to him missing parts of tours to the Caribbean and Zimbabwe.

• 2023: A shoulder injury further impacted his participation in domestic and international matches.

• 2024: Missed parts of the IPL 2024 season, playing only two games for Sunrisers Hyderabad as an Impact Sub, and was eventually left out of the T20 World Cup 2024 squad.

These recurring setbacks have undoubtedly hindered his progress and prevented him from getting a consistent run of games, which is crucial for any cricketer, especially a young all-rounder looking to establish himself. The challenge for Sundar has always been to remain fit and available, allowing his talent to consistently shine.

IPL Journey: Finding a New Home

Sundar's IPL career began with Rising Pune Supergiant in 2017, where he made an immediate impact with his economical bowling, helping them reach the final. He then moved to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), where he became a key bowler, particularly in the powerplay, under Virat Kohli's captaincy from 2018 to 2021. His economy rate of 5.96 across 15 matches in IPL 2020 was a standout.

His move to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in 2022 was aimed at giving him a more prominent all-round role. However, his tenure at SRH was plagued by injuries, limiting his appearances and impact. Consequently, he was released by SRH ahead of the IPL 2025 auction.

In the IPL 2025 auction, Washington Sundar was acquired by Gujarat Titans (GT) for ₹3.2 crore. This move marks a new chapter for him, and GT will be hoping his all-round abilities and a fresh start will help him rediscover his best form. His recent match list (as of early July 2025) shows him playing a few games for GT in the latter half of IPL 2025, suggesting a more consistent run.

International Landscape and Future Role

Washington Sundar's role in the Indian team is multifaceted. In Tests, he offers a third or fourth spin option, valuable runs down the order, and a steady hand with the ball, especially if pitches assist spinners. His 7/59 against New Zealand in October 2024 and recent Test appearances against England and Australia indicate that the management views him as a long-format all-rounder.

In white-ball cricket, particularly T20Is, his powerplay bowling is a significant asset. He provides control, allowing other bowlers to attack. His ability to bat provides depth and a hitting option. With Ravindra Jadeja often the first-choice spin-bowling all-rounder, Sundar often competes with Axar Patel for a spot, especially if the team needs an off-spinner. His recent Man of the Series performance in a T20I series against Zimbabwe (July 2024), where he took 8 wickets at an impressive economy of 5.16, highlights his continued value in the shortest format, especially with Jadeja having retired from T20Is.

Conclusion: A Bright Future, If Fitness Permits

Washington Sundar is a cricketer of immense potential and a vital asset to any team, thanks to his rare combination of skills. His ability to bowl economically in the powerplay, pick up crucial wickets, and score valuable runs makes him a true all-rounder in the modern game. His composure under pressure, especially evident in his Test match batting, speaks volumes about his temperament.

However, the shadow of injuries has been a constant companion in his career, often preventing him from reaching his full stride and cementing a permanent spot across all formats for India. For Sundar to truly fulfill his potential and become a consistent international star, staying fit and managing his body effectively will be paramount.

As he embarks on a new chapter with Gujarat Titans in the IPL and continues to push for a consistent spot in the Indian team across formats, the cricketing world will be watching keenly. If he can overcome his injury woes and maintain his fitness, Washington Sundar has all the ingredients to be a long-term, impactful all-rounder for India, providing that invaluable balance and versatility that every top team craves. His journey is a testament to talent meeting resilience, and his quiet contributions often speak louder than the most flamboyant performances.

Disclaimer: 

This blog may contain subjective opinions, personal interpretations, and speculative analyses regarding sporting events, teams, athletes, and related topics

 In this blog is for general informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered  professional advice.

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