3 reasons why India must consider Washington Sundar for BGT 2024-25
The 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy is just around the corner, with the first Test set to begin in Perth on November 22. Having secured victories in their last two Test series Down Under, India will be eager to achieve a third consecutive triumph.
However, selecting the squad will be challenging as many players are showcasing their abilities in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024-25. Among them is Tamil Nadu cricketer Washington Sundar.
Batting at No. 3, the 25-year-old excelled in a recent match against Delhi, scoring 152 runs off 269 balls as Tamil Nadu declared their first innings at a robust 674-6.
Sundar has been part of the Indian squad for some time and has played four Tests, proving to be a well-rounded player with a complete skill set.
Given his impressive form, the Indian management may be inclined to include him on the tour to Australia. With that in mind, let’s look at three reasons why Washington Sundar should be considered for the BGT 2024-25.
#1 A complete all-rounder
An all-rounder is vital for a team's success, contributing in multiple ways, and Washington Sundar is an exemplary player in this regard. While India boast established talents like Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Axar Patel, Sundar has consistently demonstrated his abilities whenever given the opportunity.
Sundar is a technically accomplished batter who can tailor his scoring approach to fit the game’s requirements. He has the stamina to bat for long durations while also being capable of hitting powerful shots.
Furthermore, he has excelled in his off-spin bowling. At just 25, he has played 30 first-class matches, scoring 1,246 runs and taking 59 wickets, demonstrating his skill in the longest format.
#2 Better batter than R. Ashwin in the Australian condition
While Ravichandran Ashwin has been India’s leading bowler in Test cricket and has contributed valuable innings with the bat, Washington Sundar’s proficiency against both pace and spin adds significant value to Australian pitches, which are known for their unpredictable bounce and pace.
Sundar has shown a knack for constructing innings, which is vital in Australia’s unpredictable conditions. He is flexible enough to bat in the middle order or even open the innings, giving the Indian team the freedom to experiment with their batting order.
The 25-year-old often bats at the top of the order in the TNPL and Ranji Trophy for Tamil Nadu, demonstrating his ability with unbeaten scores of 85 and 96 against England in 2021.
Like Ashwin, Sundar can also bowl with the new ball and effectively manage the game in the middle overs, making him an ideal replacement if Ashwin needs a rest during the five-match series. In his four Tests, Sundar has amassed 265 runs at an impressive average of 66.25, along with six wickets.
#3 Past achievement (brilliant performance in his only game in Australia)
Washington Sundar made his Test debut in the final contest of the four-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21 at The Gabba. In Australia’s first-innings 369-run total, Sundar took three wickets.
When India were struggling at 186-6 in response, he partnered with Shardul Thakur (67) to form a vital 123-run partnership for the seventh wicket, finishing with a score of 62. India were ultimately bowled out for 336 in their first innings.
In the second innings, Australia scored 294 runs, setting a target of 328 runs for India, while Sundar took one wicket. Shubman Gill (91) and Rishabh Pant (89*) played outstanding innings for India.
Sundar also contributed a valuable 22 runs off 29 balls as India secured a historic victory by three wickets, clinching the series 2-1.