Ravi Shastri, the former India head coach and commentator, is high on Washington Sundar. He believes Sundar can be a true all-rounder for India.
Sundar, 25, had a memorable Test debut at the Gabba in 2021. He has played 11 Tests, taken 30 wickets and scored 545 runs. He also did well in the Lord’s Test, taking four wickets in England’s second innings.
Shastri, himself a former Indian all-rounder, praised Sundar, “He can be a good player for India for many years.”
I’ve always liked Washington, Shastri said on The ICC Review. From the first time I saw him, I knew he was special and could become a great all-rounder for India.
Shastri thinks Washington should have more chances in red-ball cricket, especially since he has done well on Indian pitches.
He’s only 25, Shastri said. I think he should have played more Test cricket. He can be deadly in India on turning tracks. New Zealand found that out when they played against India. He even bowled better than some of the senior spinners. He bowled well and can bat.
Washington was the joint-highest wicket-taker in the home Test series against New Zealand, with 16 wickets in four innings.
Shastri was the coach when Washington made his debut in the famous Gabba Test in Brisbane. India won that match by three wickets and Washington took four wickets. He also scored 62 in the first innings and 22 in the second.
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Shastri also suggested that Washington should move up the batting order because he can handle more responsibility. He’s a naturally gifted batter, Shastri said. He’s not a number 8. He can bat at 6 soon.
In the current series against England, Washington has contributed with both bat and ball. At Lord’s, his 4/22 in the second innings, which included the wickets of Joe Root, Ben Stokes and Jamie Smith, helped India win.
Shastri said Washington’s skills are useful even in foreign conditions.He’ll get even better as he gets more confident, Shastri said. He has the drift, pace, finger strength and fitness to bowl long spells and control when required.
