Apart from his brilliant spin tricks, the all-rounder has struck crucial knocks in Tests.
Star Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar has credited his latest stint with Gujarat Titans (GT) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 for his exceptional batting performance in the recently concluded Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Notably, after his release from the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), the Tamil Nadu player joined GT and received some invaluable guidance from the franchise’s head coach, Ashish Nehra.
The 25-year-old emphasised Nehra’s role in his strong batting preparation during the T20 league, which later helped him in the five-Test tour against England. While playing for GT, Sundar scored 133 runs in 16 matches, averaging 26.60, at a fierce strike rate of 166.25.
“I was with Ashish Nehra at GT. In this IPL, the amount of batting preparation I did, I have never played that much in my life. He gave me that much batting. The things I did there helped me in this match. It was the last wicket and I had to hit so the power hitting definitely helped,” he stated in a video of former Indian player Krishnamachari Srikkanth’s YouTube channel.
The Manchester fixture was pivotal for the Indian team as they were trailing 2-1 in the series. A loss in that fourth Test would have sealed the series in favour of the hosts. Notably, captain Shubman Gill and KL Rahul had rescued the side with a stunning 188-run partnership. India had lost two early wickets in consecutive deliveries off the first over while chasing 312 in the second innings.
India were short of their wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who was in great form with two centuries in the previous three matches. Unfortunately, he sustained a toe fracture during the first innings in Manchester.
However, after Gill and Rahul’s early dismissal on the final day, the all-rounders pair of Ravindra Jadeja and Sundar notched up a magnificent unbeaten partnership of 203 runs to keep the series alive for the final fixture at The Oval. Jadeja brought up a sublime 185-ball 107 not out, while the youngster also showcased tremendous grit and determination with his unbeaten 101 off 206 balls.
“I just trusted my instincts. I believed that I could actually do it for the team and play two and a half sessions. And obviously, my coach believed a lot. Pant did not bat in that innings. As a team, it was great to draw that match with such a performance,” stressed Sundar.
ALSO READ:
Sundar made his Test debut in the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2021. He contributed with a much-needed 62 and 22 as India defeated Australia to win the series 2-1.
Overall, he has scored 752 runs in 13 Tests, which includes the England century and five fifties. He has also bagged 32 wickets, including a 10-wicket haul and a five-wicket haul. His bowling stats also include three four-fers.
For more updates, follow CricXtasy on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
