Indian off-spin all-rounder Washington Sundar acknowledged KL Rahul’s crucial contribution in helping him generate drift against right-handed batters. The 25-year-old explained that Rahul did an excellent job of shining the ball thoroughly, which helped it move away from the batters in the air.
Sundar capitalised on that drift in the post-lunch session on Day 3 of the fourth Test, claiming the wickets of Ollie Pope and Harry Brook, both of whom were undone by the movement. In a conversation with Cheteshwar Pujara on Sony Sports Network, Sundar shared:
“I mean, it is just a blessing. I mean, I just focus on doing what I am supposed to do. Obviously, conditions over here helps and also the fact that KL (Rahul) shines the ball really well and hard, every now and then. That helps me to get that drift. But yes, those two wickets were quite crucial for us at that stage of the game. So yeah, it was good for the team.”
In this series, Sundar also used his drift effectively against left-handed batters. One of his most notable dismissals was that of England captain Ben Stokes, whom he trapped lbw in the final over before Tea on the last day at Edgbaston. The ball drifted in sharply, struck Stokes on the pads, and the umpire had no hesitation in giving him out.
“Gambhir’s Tactical Advice Helped Me In England”: Washington Sundar
Following Ravichandran Ashwin’s international retirement in December 2024, Washington Sundar has stepped up as India’s primary off-spin option. The Tamil Nadu all-rounder praised head coach Gautam Gambhir for offering valuable tactical support during the ongoing tour of England.
“Yeah, Ash (R Ashwin) has obviously helped me every time I was here, every time both of us were here with the Indian team. Yes, I have worked with one of my friends also back home and he really keeps my basics going on every now and then.”
“Even here, Gauti bhai (Gautam Gambhir) has really helped me with the tactics because I feel in England, especially with the kind of batsmen they have got. I think tactically, you have got to be really smart and with the plans. I think he has helped me a lot,” Sundar said.
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