Ravi Shastri Hails Washington Sundar (Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x.com, @KKRiders/x.com)
Aiming for a strong bounceback, Team India is set to step into the fourth Test match of the series in Manchester. Despite a series of injury blows, former coach Ravi Shastri has thrown his weight behind an Indian all-rounder, believing he could be a big asset in the longest format.
In a recent interaction, Ravi Shastri backed Washington Sundar’s unbelievable all-round abilities despite having limited opportunities in Test. Highlighting Sundar’s heroics, Shastri confidently backed him as a long-term all-round option for India in the longest format.
Ravi Shastri Showers Unreal Praise On Sundar
In the ongoing Test series against England, Team India is struggling with their form, and the woes deepened ahead of the fourth Test because of a series of injuries. With Nitish Kumar Reddy ruled out, Washington Sundar emerges as a potential game-changer. Despite a rough outing in the third Test, his vital 42-run knock and economical bowling in the second Test highlight his value.
Ahead of the upcoming clash, the Indian all-rounder earned praises from former Indian coach Ravi Shastri. Speaking on the ICC Review, Shastri recalled spotting Sundar’s game-changing spark early on.
“I always loved Washington. When I saw him on day one, I said he's the man. And he can be a genuine all-rounder for many, many years for India,” he said.
Urges More Chances For Washington Sundar
Despite a remarkable debut in 2021 at the Gabba, Washington Sundar’s Test career remained short but impressive till now. In 11 Tests, he scored 545 runs and secured 30 wickets. Highlighting his heroics, Ravi Shastri has urged for more opportunities for Sundar in Test cricket.
“He again is just 25 years of age. I think he should have played a lot more Test cricket. Can be lethal in India on tracks where the ball is turning, as New Zealand found out when they played against India. (during NZ’s tour of India in 2024, where he was the joint top wicket taker, picking 16 wickets in four innings),” he said.
Trailing by a 1-2 margin in the ongoing five-match Test series, Team India will step into the iconic Old Trafford Stadium in their must-win clash. With injuries piling up, Washington Sundar’s all-round brilliance could prove to be the X-factor India needs.
