India lost the second ODI by 32 runs, and now they face their first bilateral ODI series loss in 27 years against the Islanders.
Washington Sundar, an all-rounder for India, believes that the third and final ODI against Sri Lanka, a must-win, would provide them a great chance to counter the spin danger under challenging conditions. This would set them up for success ahead of the Champions Trophy next year.
The Indian team’s poor performance in the second ODI, where they could not stop the Lankan spin attack, has left them facing their first bilateral ODI series defeat in 27 years against the Islanders. On the eve of the game, Washington Sundar told reporters, “It is an opportunity for us to go out there and put our hands up and win those critical situations.”
“We will undoubtedly encounter similar circumstances in the big tournaments approaching, so it will be crucial to figure out how to win those essential situations—especially when facing quality spin attack.
“Whatever we have done in this series, we will take that as learning. We will move ahead and win the game tomorrow in all aspects of the game.
“We are quality players of spin, a matter of finding a way.”
Washington Sundar also spoke up to support the batters, who have struggled in the series against the spinners.
“We are proficient spin players. We have always played on these kinds of wickets at home, in test matches, and in other formats. We play many games on such surfaces, even in domestic cricket,” he remarked.
And we know that several of our players have performed incredibly well when batting against spin, particularly in the middle order. Thus, all that needs to be done is for them to find a way, be themselves, and try to finish the task.
“It’s a known fact that this wicket is difficult. The Indian squad has undoubtedly always raised its hands, particularly when faced with a challenge. And that’s when we’ve performed exceptionally well in difficult circumstances, both with the bat and the ball,” he stated.
And for the past numerous years, that has been the Indian cricket team’s definition. Thus, the situation is the same as it has been throughout this series. It just comes down to working things out on an individual basis.” The 24-year-old claimed that after receiving advice from recently appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir, the team attempted to implement tactical adjustments.
Gambhir has made a significant amount of input. He is an excellent spin player. He has consistently performed excellently, particularly in this kind of wickets against good spin.
“That is one of the reasons we came out here today to practice and try to find a way and also to do those small little changes tactically and be prepared and ready for tomorrow’s game and be really on top of our game in all aspects,” Washington Sundar stated.
After leading India to victory in the third T20 International in an exciting Super Over with a match-winning performance at Pallekele, Washington Sundar stated he wanted to take advantage of every opportunity that came his way. “I must do well at bat, help the team win, and win games in general, especially when I can.
“I feel like I had two good opportunities in this series already, and yes, really looking forward to getting the job done for the team, especially with the bat, especially when we’re chasing and the chips are down,” he stated.
Regarding his technique, Washington Sundar stated that while he has made some adjustments to his bowling, the key is still to establish a solid rhythm.
“I’m a dedicated worker who looks for opportunities to succeed and contribute to the team.
“That way, when I was thinking about my bowling, I had to do certain things, slightly different, not huge changes, but just to add a couple more things and do certain things more often and more efficiently,” he explained.
“The rhythm and a few technical details are more important. Many things, even those out of my hands, turn out pretty for me when I get certain aspects of my rhythm and tactics just right.”
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