BGT 2024-25: Washington Sundar reflects on Ashwin's influence ahead of crucial day 3 battle
Xtra Time Web Desk: Over a week after Ravichandran Ashwin bid farewell to international cricket, Washington Sundar—regarded by many as his successor in India’s Test squad—shed light on his conversations with the spin maestro leading up to and during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Ashwin, 38, ended his illustrious career with 765 wickets, but his inability to cement a regular spot in overseas Tests might have influenced his decision to retire.
Ashwin’s omission from the playing XI in India’s opening match at Perth saw Sundar picked as the lone spinner. However, Ashwin returned to the side in Adelaide following skipper Rohit Sharma’s intervention. Yet, the veteran spinner was dropped again for the Gabba Test, replaced this time by Ravindra Jadeja, highlighting India’s constant shuffle in the spin department.
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Sundar, who was preferred for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, acknowledged Ashwin’s valuable advice. Speaking at the Day 2 press conference, Sundar said: “Preparation is always there, no matter if I am playing the game or when I don’t know whether I will play. Preparation is there for us to do every day. It’s like bread and butter for us.”
He further elaborated on their discussions: “Obviously, [I’ve] been having a lot of conversations about Ash, especially regarding the conditions in Australia. It gave me a lot of insights. He has come here multiple times. This was his 5th tour or something with the red ball. So yes, we spoke a lot even before coming into this tour.”
Sundar, who replaced Shubman Gill in the XI, was introduced into the attack after 20 overs and returned figures of 1/49, including the wicket of Marnus Labuschagne. But with India trailing by over 300 runs and five wickets down, Sundar’s contributions with the bat could prove decisive heading into Day 3.
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Embracing his all-rounder role, Sundar emphasized: “Isn’t it amazing that the team wants me to do really well in all three aspects of the game? That’s a great opportunity for me.”
With India reeling after losing wickets in quick succession, Sundar stressed the importance of staying positive: “We were in a great position to get big runs but we will still come back and continue to fight tomorrow morning.”
As Day 3 looms, Sundar, along with overnight batters Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja, shoulders the responsibility of mounting a comeback.
