New Delhi. India all-rounder Washington Sundar, who played a match-winning innings in Birmingham, said he is happy to bat anywhere in the batting order, and described the opportunity to play different roles as “exciting”. Washington, whose role has often changed across formats, came in at number five and scored an unbeaten 52 as India defeated England by six wickets in the first ODI here on Tuesday. The 26-year-old stitched an unbroken 102-run partnership with Axar Patel (57 not out) that led India to victory, while captain Shubman Gill’s brilliant 80 laid the foundation for the chase.
“The fact that I play different roles is exciting. A lot of guys don’t get a chance to play different roles. I get a chance to play those different roles and be in those different situations,” Washington said in the post-game press conference. “Obviously, I try my best to help the team win. It’s exciting to be in different situations and different phases of the game.
Gambhir-Nehra’s Gurumantra is working
Washington said head coach Gautam Gambhir, who likes to fill the team with all-rounders, has played a vital role in improving his confidence as a batsman, and also acknowledged the influence of Gujarat Titans head coach Ashish Nehra. Washington said, “Gauthi bhai (Gautam Gambhir) always explained to me what I could do with the bat, especially, and helped me understand my game as well. Even Ashish Nehra at GT has always made sure… he has helped me understand myself more, be it as a person or as a cricketer.” “As an all-rounder, I think it’s really important to keep trying to improve every single day, understand your game and, obviously, play according to the situation.
Blessing to be an all-rounder
The Tamil Nadu cricketer said that teams benefit a lot from having multiple players who can contribute with both bat and ball. “For me to be an all-rounder is a blessing and I mean any team would love to have as many all-rounders as possible because you can play as per the conditions and it is always good to have different types of players. You will never think that you are short of options, especially going into any situation. We play a lot of cricket around the world, the conditions are quite different and yes, today was a good day for all of us.
Important contribution of Gill-Gurnoor
The spin all-rounder praised captain Gill for anchoring the chase and Axar for finishing the job. Shubman batted really well, and that partnership with Shreyas Iyer was very important. The way Akshar played, he hit important fours every time he needed them and made things very easy.” “We applied ourselves really well and were happy to win it. he said while reflecting on India’s first win on the UK tour. Washington also paid special praise to fast bowler Gurnoor Brar, who took the crucial wickets of Ben Duckett and Jacob Bethel, taking 2/61 in 9 overs. With Gurnoor, you can always expect character. I have seen him closely with Gujarat Titans in the last few years. He always gives everything, be it a game or a practice session.” “Players with that kind of character always step up when it counts. The way he bowled today was fantastic. He took important wickets at crucial moments and played a big role in us winning this game.
