Washington Sundar’s impressive century at No. 3 highlights his skills and desire to perform in the top order, marking a significant moment in his career.
Washington Sundar has established himself as a significant player in Tamil Nadu cricket, commencing his first-class career as an opener during the 2016-17 Ranji Trophy season. In his inaugural season, Sundar played five matches solely in the opening position. However, over the years, his role has shifted primarily to the lower middle order, occupying positions as low as No. 8 in the batting lineup. His recent performance, where he scored an impressive 152 runs while batting at No. 3 against Delhi, has garnered attention and reignited discussions regarding his capabilities as a top-order batsman.
In reflecting on his batting position, Sundar expressed gratitude for the management’s decision to place him in the top order. He believes that this opportunity was crucial for him, enabling him to showcase his skills effectively. His statement reflected a strong commitment to team dynamics, emphasizing that the needs of the team come first. Sundar affirmed his self-identification as a top-order batter and expressed his aspiration to deliver consistent performances while fulfilling the team’s requirements.
During the match against Delhi, Sundar joined forces with fellow batsman Sai Sudharsan, who had already set the stage with a remarkable 168-run partnership with N Jagadeesan. Their collaboration led to a significant second-wicket partnership of 232 runs. Sundar commenced the second day of the match at 96 runs and swiftly completed his century, signaling his readiness to perform at a high level. He accomplished this milestone by deftly steering Navdeep Saini’s delivery between first and second slip early in the day, marking his second first-class century.
After the dismissal of Sudharsan, who built a solid innings of 213 runs, Sundar continued to contribute to Tamil Nadu’s innings alongside Pradosh Ranjan Paul, forming a productive partnership that added 92 runs for the fourth wicket. Eventually, Tamil Nadu declared their innings at a commanding total of 674 runs for the loss of six wickets, setting a challenging target for Delhi, who started their reply at 43 runs without loss at stumps.
Sundar’s optimism about continuing in the top order was evident when he acknowledged his growing confidence in his batting skills. His recent experiences and performances have reinforced his belief in his ability to impact the game from an earlier batting position. He acknowledged the enjoyment he derives from batting at the top and expressed a dedication to adapting to the team’s requirements, regardless of the match scenario.
Prior to this match, Sundar had recently been part of the Indian squad that played a three-match T20I series against Bangladesh. He noted that participating in various formats offers exciting opportunities for players, emphasizing the importance of adapting to different challenges presented by each format of the game. He appreciates the diverse experiences that arise from switching formats, especially in white-ball cricket, and views these challenges as valuable learning experiences for elite cricketers.
Sundar expressed deep respect for Test cricket, often considered the pinnacle of the sport. He acknowledges the significant value that the red-ball format holds in the cricketing landscape and maintains an aspiration to continue playing and excelling in this format. His focus remains on delivering strong performances that contribute positively to his team, aligning with his desire to play more matches in the future.
In summary, Washington Sundar has successfully transitioned from his early days as an opener to a versatile player who can adapt to various batting positions. His ability to perform under pressure and his dedication to team success are notable attributes of his cricket career. As he continues to evolve, both as an individual and as a team player, his contributions to Tamil Nadu cricket and possibly to the Indian national side will be closely observed by fans and analysts alike. With a strong performance behind him and an eagerness to embrace the challenges ahead, Sundar’s journey in cricket remains promising, and his aspirations for continued success reflect his commitment to the sport.
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