xtratime Logo

XtraTime Web Desk: 20 year old Washington Sundar has made rapid strides in T20 format. The Tamil Nadu off spinner has already figured in 23 T20Is for the country, picking 19 wickets at an incredible economy rate of 6.93. Having worked on his bowling Washington now looks more threatening for the opposition batsmen. With a wide range of shots, Washington gives the team management an extra option in the twenty over format. With the likes of Ravindra Jadeja and a fit again Hardik Pandya looking to seal their spots, Washington too is ready for the challenges ahead.

Like his state team senior Ravichandran Ashwin, Washington also started as a batsman before making his name as an off spinner. Coached by his father (was a first class cricketer) during childhood days, Washington developed his skills in batting. Seeing his son’s talent, M Sundar took 13 year old Washington to MRF Pace Foundation where he was spotted by reputed coach M Sentthilnathan. Impressed with Washington’s batting against the quick bowlers at MRF, Senthilnathan didn’t have second thoughts about playing Washington in TNCA first division league. As a 17 year old, Washington scored his maiden first class century against Tripura in 2017-18 Ranji Trophy. He was also selected for the India U-19 world cup in 2016. It was during this time Washington started to take his bowling seriously under the eye of former India off spinner M Venkataramana.
Following a string of good performances in domestic cricket, he was picked by IPL franchise Rising Pune Supergiants in 2017. He was one of the finds of the season as he helped the franchise to its maiden final. Coming in place of injured Ravichandran Ashwin, it was never going to be easy for the off-spinner. But, with eight wickets from 10 games and with an economy of 6.61, the 17-year-old took IPL 2017 by storm.

Following his IPL show, Washington was rewarded with a place in Indian ODI team against Sri Lanka on December 13, 2017. He made his T20I debut as well in the same series on December 24, 2017. He became the youngest Indian cricketer to play for India in T20Is at the age of 18 years and 80 days. His impressive show in the Nidahas Trophy, bowling economically in the power plays heaped high praises. He was named the player of the series for his performance. He was also involved in the 5-0 T20I series whitewash over New Zealand at the start of the year. With a consistent performance, Washington can soon cement his place in the shorter format.