Washington Sundar has firmly staked his claim for the much-coveted spin-bowling allrounder’s position, left vacant following Ravindra Jadeja’s retirement from T20I cricket. Sundar’s match-winning three-wicket haul was instrumental in leading Team India to a thrilling victory against Zimbabwe in the third T20I held in Harare. This triumph allowed India to take a 2-1 lead in the ongoing five-match series.
The 24-year-old off-spinner was the standout performer among India’s bowling attack. He applied relentless pressure on the Zimbabwean batters with his skilful and deceptive deliveries, playing a crucial role in India’s successful defence of a challenging total of 182 on a batting-friendly surface at the Harare Sports Club.
The pivotal moment came when Sundar opened his spell by taking the significant wicket of Sikandar Raza. Sikandar, attempting a big shot, failed to clear the deep square leg region and was caught by Rinku Singh for a personal score of 15. Sundar didn’t stop there; he struck again just four balls later by dismissing Jonathan Campbell, adding to India’s early breakthroughs. Sundar returned to complete his four-over spell in the late stages of the match and managed to remove the dangerous wicketkeeper-batsman Clive Madande.
Sundar’s performance in the series has been consistently impressive. He had already claimed figures of 2/11 and 1/28 in the first two games and managed to maintain an economical run rate in his bowling spells. His consistent performances have now put him in prime contention to fill the shoes of Ravindra Jadeja, aiming to cement his place in India’s T20I playing XI.
In the post-match press conference, Sundar spoke about his approach to the game and his preparation. “I need to do well where I am good at and what I am capable of, especially with my preparation. I need to give my 100 per cent every single day. That’s something that I have not compromised on,” he explained, highlighting his dedication and work ethic.
Resilience and meticulous preparations have become the hallmark of Sundar’s game. “It (preparing well) keeps me in the present and obviously I am very confident as well (about my skills). It’s a great opportunity for me to play for India, and I am blessed with it,” he added, expressing his gratitude and focus on the task at hand.
Sundar acknowledged the importance of consistency and preparation in achieving success at the highest level.
. “I need to keep my job consistently and keep preparing and keep getting better. That way everything will be taken care of,” he said with a sense of responsibility and maturity.
This series against Zimbabwe has been an important platform for Sundar to showcase his all-round capabilities. Though primarily known for his off-spin, his capabilities as a batsman add an extra layer to his potential as a genuine all-rounder. In recent times, he’s shown the ability to contribute valuable runs in the lower order, which adds to his appeal as a comprehensive all-rounder for India.
Ravindra Jadeja’s retirement from T20 Internationals marks the end of an era. His departure leaves a significant void not only in terms of skill set but also in experience. Jadeja, with his outstanding fielding, potent spin bowling, and reliable lower-order batting, has been a vital cog in the Indian T20 setup for years. Thus, replacing someone of Jadeja’s calibre is no small feat. Nevertheless, Sundar’s performances present a compelling case for his inclusion as a like-for-like replacement.
What makes Sundar’s rise even more commendable is the way he has handled pressure. This series has tested the young cricketer on various fronts—high expectations, challenging conditions, and the daunting task of stepping into the shoes of a legend. Yet, Sundar has managed to remain calm, composed, and focused, delivering performances that speak volumes of his potential.
In terms of the broader team strategy, Sundar’s effective off-spin complements India’s bowling attack perfectly. His ability to choke runs and pick up crucial wickets adds depth and dimension to the team. With frequent T20 fixtures lined up and the T20 World Cup on the horizon, having a dependable all-rounder like Sundar can provide the much-needed balance to the squad.
Additionally, Sundar’s performances are likely to impact team selection dynamics. His inclusion as a key all-rounder could benefit the team by providing more flexibility in choosing specialist batters or bowlers, thus strengthening either department based on match conditions.
As India gears up for more international fixtures in the coming months, all eyes will be on Washington Sundar to see if he can consistently deliver and fill the sizable void left by Ravindra Jadeja. Based on current form and his growing confidence, the young all-rounder appears to be well on his way to becoming a mainstay in the Indian T20 setup.
