Washington Sundar Will Become A Fine All-rounder Like Kapil Dev: M Sundar

Washington Sundar’s father M Sundar believes that his son will become a fine all-rounder in the mould of former captain Kapil Dev.

Washington Sundar made his Test red-ball debut in the historic Gabba 4th Test due to an injury to Ravindra Jadeja, and he made the most of the opportunity. After picking up 3 wickets (including that of veteran Australian batsman Steve Smith), the 21-year-old struck a patient 62 in the first Indian innings and followed it up with an attacking 22 in the famous run chase.

Washington Sundar Is A Blessed Child: Father M Sundar

Speaking to indianexpress.com, M Sundar stated that Washington Sundar was serious about his cricket right from when he was five years old.

“Washington is a blessed child. We call him Gnana Kuzhanthai (wise child). He started taking cricket seriously when he was five years old. Even if it were a tennis ball game, he would play that very seriously,” Washington Sundar’s father said.

“Imagine bowling to the likes of Shikhar Dhawan and David Warner at 17 years of age, and that too the very first over in the game. His mental strength at that age was remarkable. It was all god’s blessings,” he added.

Washington Sundar made a debut to remember for India in the longest format, scoring 84 runs and bagged 4 wickets, as they beat Australia by 3 wickets in Brisbane to clinch the series 2-1 and retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the second time in succession Down Under.

Washington Sundar Is A Once In A Century Cricketer: Father M Sundar

Washington Sundar impressed all with his poise and patience on Test debut against formidable Australia in their own backyard. M Sundar continued by saying that he frequently tells his son he is a ‘once-in-a-century’ cricketer and drew parallels to the great Kapil Dev.

“Washington is now playing all three formats, and we are happy about it. I always tell him that he is a special talent — a once in a century cricketer. He will become a fine all-rounder like Kapil Dev,” M Sundar emphatically said.

Washington Sundar made his India debut in an ODI back in 2017 against Sri Lanka at the tender age of 18. Although that game remains his only appearance in the 50-over format, the off-spinner has played 26 T20Is and has become a key player under skipper Virat Kohli. He has picked 21 wickets averaging 29.14.

He started his IPL career in 2017 with Rising Pune Supergiant. Since 2018, he has been playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore and was retained in IPL 2021.

India face England next in a 4-Test home series in February, and Washington Sundar will fight it out with china man spinner Kuldeep Yadav for a spot in the playing XI alongside off spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.