Washington Sundar "Will Become A Legend", Says Father

Washington Sundar made his debut in the historic Gabba Test that India won to seal a 2-1 series win in Australia. Having called in after injuries ravaged Team India's playing XI, Washington Sundar became an instant hero, first taking three wickets in Australia's innings, and following it up with a crucial 62 that kept India in the contest. In India's second innings as well, the left-hander scored a quickfire 22 off 29 balls, forging a vital partnership with Rishabh Pant to put India within touching distance of a win. Washington Sundar's father, M Sundar, spoke exclusively to NDTV, saying his performance Down Under was "special" and backed him to "become a legend".

"So proud of Washington, (Ravichandran) Ashwin, T Natarajan and Team India. Washington is a natural opening batsman, and he made use of the opportunity that he got," M Sundar told NDTV.
 
"This performance is special. Washington will become a legend. He has the skill, dedication, hard work and discipline. I hope god will give him a long innings in the Indian team," Washington Sundar's father added.
 
Sundar was included in the India playing XI for the fourth and final Test, after both Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja were ruled out due to injuries. He was the only spinner in the team at the Gabba but his biggest contribution came with the bat in hand.

India were in a spot of bother after Rishabh Pant fell, leaving India at 186 for six. Sundar and Shardul Thakur showed great grit and determination to keep the Australian bowlers at bay and forge a 123-run stand for the seventh wicket that bailed India out from a precarious situation.

Washington Sundar's sister, Shylaja Sundar said that she has always been a bigger fan of her brother's batting than his bowling.

"We have always enjoyed playing together from childhood. I enjoy Washington's batting more than his bowling. In one game we saw two different styles of his batting," she said.

Washington Sundar's mother said that her son would create ruckus at home, if he was not allowed to go pratcice. 

"He would wake up at 5am and be early at the ground and leave for school. In the evenings after heavy practice, he would quickly finish his homework. He would want to play cricket even if it rains. He would take his friends and dad. If that was not allowed, he would create a ruckus at home," Washington Sundar's mother told NDTV.

Topics mentioned in this article

India Cricket Team Australia Cricket Team Australia vs India 2020-21 Washington Sundar Cricket