In a memorable moment from 2016, Washington Sundar received a thought-provoking question from his father, M Sundar, during a family dinner in Kolkata: “Ni ena periya Prasanna va?” (Are you the great EAS Prasanna?). This inquiry came as Washington struggled during the preparatory matches leading up to the Under-19 World Cup. His father’s concerns were validated when he witnessed Washington bowl at the venue, leading to a crucial discussion about his style and strengths.
Fast forward to the present, Washington is making waves during India’s ongoing tour of England, proving himself to be an essential member of the national cricket team. With a recent century to his name at Manchester, he showcased both his bowling prowess and batting capabilities, displaying the dual-threat role his father envisioned for him. Washington’s ability to construct strong innings, combined with an attacking bowling style, has prompted discussions within the Tamil Nadu cricket community about his underutilization as a top-order batsman.
His father emphasized the importance of being a versatile player, capable of adapting to different formats of the game without compromising his foundational skills. With over a decade of guidance, Washington is evolving into the dynamic cricketer his father always hoped he would become. As he develops his skills further, his unique ability to place the ball effectively with a drift that troubles batters has become a hallmark of his bowling.
Washington’s journey has not been without challenges, including struggles with injuries that sidelined him during key periods. However, he demonstrated resilience, focusing on recovery and improvement. His comeback under the guidance of coach Gautam Gambhir has reignited hope for his future contributions to the national team.
Mentors and coaches who have worked with him note Washington’s impressive mindset, adapting to both fast bowling and spin, and developing a well-rounded skill set. The balance he maintained between batting and bowling during his formative years is contributing to his current success. A promising outlook for his career lies ahead as he continues to demonstrate strong performances and a commitment to growth on the cricketing stage, echoing his father’s dreams of him being a go-to player across formats.
Washington Sundar’s rise signifies a hopeful narrative for Indian cricket, indicating that with the right guidance, determination, and hard work, he is set to become a pivotal player in the years to come.