For a player, who had an important role in India's epoch-making victory in Gabba 2021 Test win in Australia, Washington Sundar has been in and off the radar for reasons that are mostly inexplicable.
Considered a bits and pieces man, he has not got consistent chances at the international level to make a sustained impact. He was part of the trophy-triumphing Champion Trophy squad. But never got a chance to play even in a single game.
On the IPL stage, too, his appearances have not been all that sustained. He was debuted by Rising Pune Supergiant in IPL 2017 as he made his T20 debut at the age of 17. Since then he has turned up for both the south Indian teams RCB and SRH. But this season, he has been roped by Gujarat Titans for 3.2 crore.
And as ever, the same story, as the allrounder was not played in the first 3 matches --- the teams are looking at full-fledged batters and bowlers thanks to the impact sub rule. Anyway, in GT's fourth match, against SRH at Hyderabad last night, Sundar was finally played in the XI.
But his reliable off-spin was not tried even once by captain Shubman Gill as GT preferred to stick just with its 5 frontline bowlers. But when it came to batting, the team was in early trouble chasing a deceptive 153 for win on a strange pitch. GT lost the in-form Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler in less than 4 overs and was tottering at 16 for 2 when Sundar, promoted up the order, walked in.
He could have played himself in. Instead, making the most of the chance that came his way, he went on an aggressive mode right from the word go. This meant GT did not fall back on the asking rate at any point. In 29 balls, Sundar showcased his versatility and class with a match-turning and winning knock of 49 runs --- his dismissal through a 3rd umpire-adjudicated outfield catch was a bit contentious
While he was in, Sundar and Gill stitched together a crucial 90-run partnership off 56 balls for the third wicket, effectively nullifying SRH's early breakthroughs. Sundar's innings was marked by his ability to counterattack under pressure, as he took on SRH pacer Simarjeet Singh in the final over of the powerplay, smashing 20 runs off the over, including two sixes and two fours. His shot selection and timing were impeccable, with one of his sixes—a hook over fine leg—drawing comparisons to his famous Gabba Test maximum against Pat Cummins.
Sundar's innings was characterized by his ability to rotate the strike and find boundaries at regular intervals. He displayed a wide array of strokes, including powerful pulls, keeping the scoreboard moving and not allowing any pressure to set in.
Post-match, Sundar credited his captain and coach for backing him and emphasised the importance of partnerships in chasing targets. He revealed that the plan was to bat deep and finish the game for the team, a strategy that worked seamlessly. The match did not have to go deep as GT reached the target with 20 balls to spare.
Sundar with his swashbuckling innings not only proved a point to his former franchise Hyderabad who let him go this season, but also to his own team GT who now have a strong case to pick him regularly.