Washington Sundar ready to open innings for India if given an opportunity

Washington Sundar went to Australia as a limited-overs player. The Indian cricket team used him as a net bowler to train the batsmen during the Test series against Australia. However, as Hanuma Vihari, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ravichandran Ashwin got injured, India had to include Sundar in their playing XI for the fourth Test. 

What followed that was something even Sundar might not have thought about. Sundar bowled brilliantly in both innings at The Gabba. He opened his account in Test cricket with the special wicket of Steve Smith. 

With the bat, Sundar had an excellent partnership with Shardul Thakur in the first innings. Both Indian all-rounders smashed half-centuries to ensure Australia did not take a big first-innings lead in spite of taking some early wickets. 

Sundar even played a fantastic cameo in the second innings as his partnership with Rishabh Pant eased the run-chase for the visitors. Ultimately, India ended Australia’s 32-year unbeaten streak at The Gabba. 

Washington Sundar was one of the heroes of India’s win. The all-rounder has now stated that it would be a blessing for him if he gets a chance to open the innings for India. In case you didn’t know, Sundar started his journey as an opener before achieving mastery in off-spin. 

Here’s what Sundar said in an interaction with PTI:

"I think it will be a blessing for me if I ever get an opportunity to open the batting for India in Tests. I think I will accept the challenge just like our coach Ravi sir did during his playing days.”

Washington Sundar added that Ravi Shastri also told many inspiring stories to him. Shastri motivated Sundar to play well. 

Meanwhile, Washington’s father was in the headlines when he had said that he expected his son to hit a century in the first innings after getting off to a good start. Even Virender Sehwag had shared that interview. Although Sundar could not get a hundred, his contribution was crucial in India’s historic win.