Washington Sundar’s outstanding performance for Tamil Nadu against New Delhi in the Ranji Trophy catalyzed his remarkable comeback as a Test-level cricket player.
Washington’s longtime supporter, head coach Gautam Gambhir, was persuaded to include the all-rounder in India’s playing XI for the second Test match against New Zealand in Pune. Washington scored 152 while batting at number three and took six wickets in a game earlier this month at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
In his first Test match since March 2021, Washington’s incredible 7/59 spell against New Zealand proved that the call was justified.
The Tamil Nadu player adequately appreciated the importance of participating in domestic red-ball competitions.
“It was a great opportunity for me to play Tamil Nadu vs Delhi game because it’s good to be playing (with the) red-ball sometimes and keep getting the rhythm in red-ball (cricket) going — both with the bat and ball — and be consistent with it,” Washington stated following the game.
In that Ranji match, the 25-year-old emphasized how beneficial it was for him to bowl many overs.
“It also helped that I was able to bowl a lot of overs during that game. This day is quite wonderful, and I am truly thankful for it. I doubt I will ever forget it,” he remarked.
Washington stated that his goal is to develop his general abilities without becoming shaped into a specific all-around player.
“(About the) perception, I shouldn’t be thinking too much about it, I should just be focusing on what I can do as a person, as a cricketer to keep getting better, to find that best version of myself,” he stated.
Washington had yet to be considered for a Test selection despite taking 65 wickets in 31 first-class games over the eight years since his debut. However, that has all changed suddenly.
“I’ve always used that as self-talk because I’ve always wanted to learn things that will help me improve and continue to grow as a cricket player.
“That is the only thing I have been focusing on in the last few years and I am really grateful to (the) god for me to be able to experience these kinds of situations,” he stated.
Washington wishes to play many more games with his Tamil Nadu teammate and Ravindra Jadeja. His 7/59 matches are the best innings totals in Test cricket for senior off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.
“They brought in a lot of traits, abilities, and experience, and we spoke a lot. For someone who is cooperating with them, that is incredibly helpful,” he said.
“It was really helpful to me today, and it’s unique to be playing the game that both of them are involved in. He remarked, “I hope we play many more games together.
Washington praised Ashwin for revealing the subtleties of their profession as well.
Although uncommon, Ashwin is incredibly friendly, particularly when viewed from that angle. He’s always willing to help, not just me, he continued, “no matter who goes and asks him for ideas about bowling or any technicalities.”
The events of the day mirrored it. As India threw out the Kiwis for 259 in their opening attack, Ashwin blasted through the top order of New Zealand before Washington feasted on the middle and lower-middle order.
“The ball softened considerably. We needed to give the ball more body and speed, which is what Ash (Ashwin) and I kept discussing,” Washington disclosed.
“Ashwin claimed that he got (Devon) Conway out by doing that himself in the spell after lunch. We talked about it, and I’m happy I could do it,” he continued.