As we celebrate the 24th birthday of the rising star of Indian cricket, Washington Sundar, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the extraordinary journey of this young and immensely talented cricketer. Born on October 5, 1999, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Washington Sundar has become a household name in the world of cricket. He has not only made his mark in the Indian cricket team but has also been a key player for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Tamil Nadu in domestic cricket. Let’s dive into the incredible story of this left-handed batsman and right-arm off-spinner who has taken the cricketing world by storm.
Early Life
Washington Sundar’s journey to cricketing stardom began in his early years. He was born into a Tamil Hindu family in Chennai and was given his unique name by his father, M. Sundar, in honor of a man named P.D. Washington, who had sponsored his father’s passion for cricket. It seems that destiny had a plan for young Washington Sundar, as his name became synonymous with cricket excellence.
Growing up, Sundar was not the only cricketer in the family. His sister, Shailaja Sundar, also pursued a career in professional cricket, showcasing the cricketing genes that ran in the family. Washington’s love for the game was evident from a very young age, as he started playing cricket when he was just four or five years old.
His early education took place at St. Bede’s Anglo-Indian Higher Secondary School, where he not only honed his academic skills but also continued to develop his cricketing talent.
Domestic and IPL Career
Domestic Career:
- First-Class Debut: Sundar made his first-class debut for Tamil Nadu in the 2016–17 Ranji Trophy on October 6, 2016.
- Transition to Off-Spinner: Like Ravichandran Ashwin, Sundar began his cricketing journey as a batsman but transitioned into an off-spinner as he grew older.
- Maiden Century: In October 2017, he scored his maiden first-class century while playing for Tamil Nadu against Tripura in the 2017–18 Ranji Trophy.
- India U-19 World Cup: Sundar’s talent was recognized early in his career, and he was selected to represent India in the U-19 World Cup in 2016.
IPL Career:
- Rising Pune Supergiant: In 2017, Washington Sundar was chosen as a replacement for Ravichandran Ashwin by the Rising Pune Supergiant in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
- Impressive Debut: He made his Twenty20 debut for Rising Pune Supergiants on April 22, 2017. In his debut match, he earned the Man of the Match award by taking three wickets for just 16 runs.
- Royal Challengers Bangalore: In January 2018, Sundar was bought by the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL auction, further solidifying his position as a valuable asset in the league.
- Sunrisers Hyderabad: In the 2022 IPL Auction, Sundar was acquired by the Sunrisers Hyderabad for a significant ₹8.75 crores, underlining his growing reputation in T20 cricket.
- Lancashire County Cricket Club: In August 2022, he represented Lancashire County Cricket Club in the Royal London One-Day Cup and the County Championship, where he made an impressive debut by claiming a five-wicket haul.
International Career
- T20I Debut: Washington Sundar made his international debut for the Indian cricket team in Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) on December 24, 2017, against Sri Lanka.
- ODI Debut: He made his One Day International (ODI) debut for India against Sri Lanka on December 13, 2017.
- Youngest T20I Debutant: At the age of 18 years and 80 days, Sundar became the youngest player to debut for India in T20Is.
- 2018 Nidahas Trophy: Sundar was selected in India’s squad for the 2018 Nidahas Trophy, a T20I series against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. His economical bowling during the powerplay earned him praise, and he achieved a maiden 3-wicket haul during the series, becoming the youngest-ever T20I player to do so. He was named the Player of the Series for his outstanding performance.
- Test Debut: Sundar’s Test debut was unexpected. Initially selected as a net bowler during India’s 2020-21 Australia tour, he eventually made his Test debut on January 15, 2021, in the final Test match of the series at The Gabba. His debut was sensational as he not only took his first Test wicket by dismissing Steve Smith but also scored a crucial 62 runs in his first Test innings, contributing significantly to India’s historic series win in Australia.
- Historic Half-Century: With his maiden Test fifty, Sundar became only the third Indian to score a half-century on Test debut in Australia, cementing his place in Indian cricket history.
In conclusion, Washington Sundar’s journey from a young cricket enthusiast in Chennai to a celebrated international cricketer is nothing short of inspiring. His dedication, versatility, and unwavering commitment to the game have endeared him to fans worldwide. As he celebrates his 24th birthday, we can only anticipate more remarkable achievements and milestones in the career of this cricketing prodigy. Happy Birthday, Washington Sundar!
