"Priceless asset" - Fans react as Washington Sundar’s timely fifty saves India's blushes

All-rounder Washington Sundar stepped up for India in the must-win third ODI against New Zealand in Christchurch on Wednesday (November 30). The left-hander, coming in at No. 7, emerged as the top-scorer for the Men in Blue, scoring 51 off 64, including a six and five fours.

Sundar came in when the visitors were struggling at 121-5 in the 26th over. He took his team to a respectable total of 219 in 47.3 overs. He was the last batter to get dismissed, getting caught behind the stumps by Tom Latham off Tim Southee.

The bowlers must step up for India if they wish to level the series after losing the opening game by seven wickets. The second ODI in Hamilton was abandoned due to rain.

Fans on Twitter hailed Sundar for stepping up in the absence of Ravindra Jadeja and for playing an even better innings than the only other left-handed batter in the XI, Rishabh Pant, who perished for ten.

Here are some of the top reactions:

Cricket Ki Batein 🇮🇳

@cricketkibatein

Washington Sundar wow , Proper middle order batter. Pls take him in test team

Washington Sundar wow , Proper middle order batter. Pls take him in test team

RM

@rishidilipmody

Sundar better than most of our openers

4

Sundar better than most of our openers

Akrabazzi Reloaded 👑

@SHA3_256

At this rate, Sundar might make Jadeja a permanent BJP member.

2

2

At this rate, Sundar might make Jadeja a permanent BJP member.

Sparsh Telang

@_cricketsparsh

Please take care of Washington Sundar. He's just 23 years old, and can be an invaluable all-round asset for years to come. Immense potential.

65

13

Please take care of Washington Sundar. He's just 23 years old, and can be an invaluable all-round asset for years to come. Immense potential.

Venkata Krishna B

@venkatatweets

Washington Sundar will be a priceless asset to the Indian team, across all formats, going forward.

85

5

Washington Sundar will be a priceless asset to the Indian team, across all formats, going forward.

Ravi Bhai 🤷‍♂️

@tracer_bullet1

Washington Sundar is a damage repair player. #INDvNZ

1

Washington Sundar is a damage repair player. #INDvNZ

S A A D 🇵🇰

@SaadSays22

What a timely fifty from Washington Sundar, one of their best batter of the series. #INDvNZ

14

What a timely fifty from Washington Sundar, one of their best batter of the series. #INDvNZ

Human

@Human4567832

@BCCI What expecting from hooda I think sundar is perfect for that ,proved first match as finisher & now this as responsible batter !!!

4

@BCCI What expecting from hooda I think sundar is perfect for that ,proved first match as finisher & now this as responsible batter !!!

Ctrl C Ctrl Memes

@Ctrlmemes_

@mufaddal_vohra Now who needs Rishabh Pant if we already have Washington sundar in down order? 🤔

10

1

@mufaddal_vohra Now who needs Rishabh Pant if we already have Washington sundar in down order? 🤔

Vineet B Vinayak

@VineetVinayak07

Well played Sundar
Very mature innings under pressure.

Well played Sundar 👏
Very mature innings under pressure.

Aniket

@13Anikett

Wow Sundar. This is such an amazing knock.

1

Wow Sundar. This is such an amazing knock.

Sundar had earlier struck an unbeaten 37 off 16, including three sixes and as many fours, in the first ODI against New Zealand to guide India to a 300+ total.

It's worth mentioning that Sundar only made his comeback for Team India during the ODI series against South Africa in October after a lengthy injury (fractured finger, split webbing and shoulder injury) layoff, which began in July 2021.

Speaking recently on Prime Video, Sundar said that he plans his shots and ensures proper timing and execution.

“I have to let my instincts go through. I also plan my shots. There's a plan. It's important to get the timing right, along with the power.”

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Washington Sundar named in India squad for Bangladesh

Washington Sundar will next be in action in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Bangladesh, starting in Mirpur on Sunday (December 4). He will look to make the most of his chances in the absence of Jadeja and Hardik Pandya during the upcoming ODIs.

Meanwhile, senior players Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul will make their comeback after being rested for the white ball New Zealand tour.

India's squad for Bangladesh ODIs: Rohit Sharma (C), KL Rahul (VC), Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Shreyas Iyer, Rahul Tripathi, Rishabh Pant (WK), Ishan Kishan (WK), Shahbaz Ahmed, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Deepak Chahar, Kuldeep Sen

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