Team India sets a challenging target of 534 runs for Australia in the first Test of Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Spinners Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar will play a crucial role in the remaining five Tests over 45 days. The team management's decision to add three spinners to the squad seems strategic, with the sudden preference for all-rounder Washington Sundar, who impressed both legendary Wasim Akram and head coach Ravi Shastri. India's dominant performance in the first innings, led by Yashasvi Jaiswal (161), Virat Kohli (100), and KL Rahul (77), gives them a good start in the tournament.
Washington Sundar: India's Spin-bowling All-Rounder
Washington Sundar has emerged as one of the key players in India's Test squad following his impressive performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Here's a closer look at his background and his role in the team:
Background
Born on October 5, 1999, in Chennai, Sundar is a left-handed batsman and right-arm off-spinner. He started playing cricket at a young age and made his first-class debut for Tamil Nadu in 2016-17. Sundar's exceptional bowling skills and ability to bat lower down the order have made him a valuable asset for his team.
Role in Team India
Sundar made his Test debut for India against Australia in 2021. Since then, he has played several crucial innings and taken key wickets, cementing his place in the team's spin-bowling department. Sundar's ability to provide control and variation with the ball and contribute with useful runs makes him a complete all-rounder.
In the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Sundar has been one of India's standout performers. He has picked up multiple wickets and played a handy hand with the bat, helping India dominate the first Test. His partnership with senior spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has been a potent weapon for the team.
Top 5 FAQs
Q: What are Washington Sundar's batting and bowling statistics? A: As of March 10, 2023, Sundar has played 12 Tests, scoring 593 runs at an average of 33.41 with two centuries and three half-centuries. He has also taken 36 wickets at an average of 30.44 with best figures of 8/106.
Q: How has Sundar performed in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy? A: In the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Sundar has played three matches and taken 14 wickets at an average of 25.71 with best figures of 5/125. He has also scored 96 runs at an average of 24.00.
Q: What are Sundar's strengths as a cricketer? A: Sundar's primary strength is his ability to bowl accurate and economical off-spin. He has a good flight and can generate turn and bounce. He is also a useful lower-order batsman, capable of playing responsible innings and contributing to the team's total.
Q: What are some memorable performances by Sundar in Test cricket? A: Sundar has played several impactful innings and taken crucial wickets for India in Test cricket. Some of his memorable performances include his 62 and 8/106 against Australia in 2021 and his 96 and 4/121 against Sri Lanka in 2023.
Q: What is Sundar's future in the Indian team? A: With his impressive performances, Sundar has established himself as a key member of India's Test squad. He is expected to continue playing a significant role in the team's spin-bowling attack and contribute with useful runs in the lower order.
On Day 2 of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth, Indian openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal took charge, leading India to an unbeaten score of 172/0, effectively 218/0. This puts them in a strong position to push for a victory in the next two days. Despite a tricky pitch, the Indian openers remained determined and focused, showcasing their skill and technique. This day will go down in history for India as they continue to dominate in this prestigious trophy.
21-year-old Nitish Reddy impresses in debut Test match, hitting 41 runs in just 59 balls and showcasing fearlessness against Australia's bowling attack. His upper cut for six off his IPL captain, Pat Cummins, was a highlight of his inning and showed his strength and composure. Reddy's performance helped India reach 150 runs and his partnership with Rishabh Pant helped salvage the innings. As Reddy and Cummins prepare for the IPL 2025 auction where they both retain with Sunrisers Hyderabad, fans can look forward to more thrilling clashes between the teammates.
Indian batting sensation Virat Kohli made history at Optus Stadium, Perth on Sunday by surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's record of most Test centuries by an Indian batter in Australia and equalling former Australian captain Ricky Ponting's record of most 100s in India-Australia Tests played in Australia. Kohli's 30th Test century in 14 matches also helped him overtake Rahul Dravid and Cheteshwar Pujara in the list of batters with most runs in India-Australia Tests.
In a stellar performance, Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli scored his 30th Test hundred in Australia and his 81st century overall. This feat puts him in the record books as the player with the most centuries for a visiting batsman in Australia across all formats. Kohli's hundred came after 375 days and proved to be a turning point in his form, silencing any doubts about his future in Test cricket. With a stunning 534-run target set for Australia in the first Test, all eyes are on Kohli to lead India to victory.
On a dominant performance by Mercedes at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, George Russell claimed his second win of the year and led a one-two finish for the team. Despite Lewis Hamilton's charge from 10th place, Russell held on to take the checkered flag and help Mercedes sweep the entire race weekend. In a historic moment, Max Verstappen became a four-time world champion by securing a fifth-place finish, one place ahead of Lando Norris. Verstappen's Red Bull was no match for the dominant Mercedes cars, though he put up a tough fight for a podium finish.
19-year-old Yashasvi Jaiswal made history as he became only the third Indian to score a century in his debut Test match in Australia. His impressive performance helped India to secure a strong position against Australia in the Perth Test. The IPL mega auction, set to begin in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Sunday, is also making headlines in the world of sports. With Jaiswal's outstanding form, he has now become the leading Indian player in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle, scoring four centuries.
In a thrilling race at the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix, Mercedes' George Russell secured a dominant victory after starting on pole position. Teammate Lewis Hamilton finished in second place, making it a Mercedes 1-2. The race saw an intense battle for third place between Carlos Sainz, Charles Leclerc, and Max Verstappen, with Sainz ultimately claiming the final spot on the podium. Despite Hamilton's impressive comeback from a troubled qualifying session, it was Russell who crossed the finish line first, securing his first win of the 2024 season.
Young Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal made history by becoming the fifth Indian cricketer to score a century in Perth, joining the likes of Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, and Virat Kohli. Jaiswal completed his maiden Test century against Australia on the third day of the ongoing Test at the Optus Stadium in Perth. This achievement puts Jaiswal in the same league as Indian legends Gavaskar, Amarnath, Tendulkar, and Kohli, who all have scored Test centuries in Perth.
Nikola Jokic and Michael Porter Jr. Lead Nuggets Past Lakers 127-102 The Denver Nuggets showed their strength in a dominant performance against the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night. Led by Nikola Jokic's 34 points and Michael Porter Jr.'s 24, the Nuggets outscored the Lakers 70-39 in the second half and took control of the game. Despite an impressive performance from Russell Westbrook, scoring 14 points against his former team, the Lakers had no answer for Denver's inside and outside game. This was the first meeting between the two teams since the Nuggets eliminated the Lakers in the playoffs earlier this year, and it was a clear statement from Denver that they are still a dominant force in the Western Conference.