NEW DELHI: Former cricketer and head coach Ravi Shastri has backed Washington Sundar to become a “genuine all-rounder for many, many years for India.” The 25-year-old all-rounder has been gradually cementing his place across formats under current head coach Gautam Gambhir. Sundar’s resurgence is largely credited to Gambhir’s consistent support in recent months — a sentiment even echoed by Ravichandran Ashwin, who said that Gambhir “highly rates” Sundar.Given the opportunities that have come his way, Sundar has capitalised on nearly every one. In the recent Test, he showed composure and technical solidity with a 23 off 76 balls in the first innings. In the second, he spun a web around the English batters to finish with 4/22 from 12.1 overs — though his efforts couldn’t prevent a narrow 22-run defeat for India.
Shastri, impressed by Sundar’s all-round performance, voiced strong support for his long-term future in Test cricket.“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,” Shastri said on The ICC Review.Sundar burst onto the Test scene during India’s historic win at the Gabba in 2021. However, following that series, his red-ball appearances dwindled. Shastri believes Sundar deserves far more chances, especially given his ability to exploit spinning conditions at home.“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 out-bowled some of the senior spinners. He bowled that well, and he can bat,” he added.Back in 2021, India were plagued with injuries when Sundar was handed his debut at the Gabba — a move Shastri oversaw as head coach. The youngster delivered under pressure, scoring a fluent 62 and playing a crucial role in sealing the famous win.He followed up with unbeaten scores of 85 and 96 in the home series against England. Despite often batting at No.7 or lower in 10 of his 11 Tests, Sundar averages 38.92 — including four half-centuries.“He’s a naturally talented batsman. He’s no number 8. He can go at six very soon in the batting lineup. He’s a naturally talented batsman,” said Shastri.Shastri also believes Sundar’s value extends beyond subcontinent conditions. Highlighting his recent performance at Lord’s — where he dismissed Joe Root, Ben Stokes, and Jamie Smith — Shastri expects the youngster to be a long-term asset overseas too.“And once he gains confidence, I think he’ll get better and better because even overseas he’s got the drift, he’s got the pace, he’s got the strength in his fingers and the fitness. You know, do both long spells and do the controlling job when needed,” he added.With Sundar offering both batting depth and a reliable spin option, his inclusion gives India greater balance. It remains to be seen whether the team management makes space for Kuldeep Yadav alongside him for the fourth Test at Old Trafford.India squad for 4th Test:Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (VC & WK), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Kuldeep Yadav, Anshul Kamboj.England XI for 4th Test:Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (C), Jamie Smith, Liam Dawson, Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer.
