Young Washington continues rapid rise
MUMBAI : A little over two years back, Washington Sundar struck a scintillating half-century to guide India under-19 to a fivewicket win over Sri Lanka in a triseries final. On Sunday, the teenager became India’s youngest T20 debutant against the same rivals, this time for his off-spin.
Washington Sundar stands out for his height (around 6’2”), and for his name, given by his father, M Sundar, as tribute to his mentor. And the youngster is now rapidly following in the footsteps of senior Tamil Nadu teammate, R Ashwin.
On Sunday, Washington Sundar made a mark aged just 18 years and 80 days. However, he had caught the attention of cricket fans when he replaced an injured Ashwin at Rising Pune Supergiant in the 2017 IPL.
The glitzy league was perhaps the perfect platform for the then 17-year-old. Sundar played 11 matches, bowled 30 overs and took eight wickets at an economy of 6.16. It was his ability to frustrate the opposition with a tight line that earned him applause.
Wrist spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal have made rapid strides replacing Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin.
Sundar’s selection is part of their bid to boost bench strength.
If IPL was a curtain-raiser, Sundar went on to pick 15 wickets in nine matches in the Tamil Nadu Premier League.
He was the second-highest wicket-taker with a staggering average of 12.73, following it up with a Man-of-the-Match performance in the Duleep Trophy final. He took 11 wickets and scored 88 and 42.
At the Wankhede, he stuck to his line, having Kusal Perera caught and bowled before returning impressive figures of 4-0-22-1.