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.
The Border Security Force (BSF) organised the Jammu Marathon to commemorate their 60th Raising Day and promote physical fitness and a drug-free lifestyle. Over 6,000 people from across the country participated in the various race categories, including some foreigners. The BSF chief highlighted the force's vital role in Operation Sindoor, which has strengthened public trust in the force. The growing interest in joining the BSF reflects the increasing faith citizens have in the force, as it continues to safeguard the country with dedication and zeal. Runners from Kenya also participated and appreciated the BSF's initiative to promote fitness and peace.
With the Indian Premier League mini auction fast approaching, trade rumors have been swirling around the five-time champions, Chennai Super Kings. However, the franchise has decided to put these speculations to rest in an entertaining manner through a video featuring their CEO and mascot. While addressing the rumors, the franchise also hinted at their plans to strengthen their spin attack and fix their middle-order for the upcoming season.
Arsenal's Premier League winning streak comes to an end as Sunderland secures a last-minute equalizer in a thrilling 2-2 draw. The match saw an impressive performance from Sunderland's Brian Brobbey, who scored the crucial goal, while Arsenal's Leandro Trossard also shone with a 74th-minute thunderbolt strike. Despite the draw, Arsenal maintains its position as Premier League leader.
Chelsea's rotation policy and manager Enzo Maresca's selection choices were called into question by former Manchester United star Wayne Rooney. However, Maresca defended himself and his strategy by emphasizing the physical demands on players and making eight changes for the match against Wolves. This proved to be successful with a strong second-half performance, earning Chelsea a 3-0 victory and temporarily moving them to second place in the Premier League. Maresca will now head into the international break with some relief and confidence in the direction his team is heading.
Chelsea dominated Wolves in a 3-0 victory at home tonight in the Premier League. Malo Gusto and Joao Pedro were the standout players for the Blues with their goals in the second half, while goalkeeper Sanchez earned an easy clean sheet as he went untested in the match. Let's break down the individual performances of each Chelsea player in this impressive win.
In Chelsea's 3-0 win over Wolves, 18-year-old Brazilian Estevao made another impactful appearance off the bench, assisting the second goal just 68 seconds after coming on. Fans have been calling for him to start more regularly and after his recent performance, that demand will only grow louder. Speaking highly of the young talent, coach Enzo Maresca expressed that players like Estevao are what fans want to see on the pitch.
Chelsea put on a dominant display against Wolves at Stamford Bridge, securing a 3-0 victory and moving up to second place in the Premier League. Despite a goalless first half, the Blues eventually found the net through goals from Malo Gusto and Joao Pedro, assisted by Alejandro Garnacho. Pedro Neto added a third against his former team to secure all three points for Enzo Maresca's side.
Fans in Brazil continue to boo Lando Norris, following his second Sprint victory of the 2025 season. Ted Kravitz speculates that the booing may be due to Norris' recent on-track controversies, including his request for a position back in Monza and the "papaya rules" incident in Mexico. Despite his win, Norris' reception from the crowd remains icy.
Arsenal's away game against Slavia Prague seemed bleak without star striker Viktor Gyökeres, but midfielder Mikel Merino stepped up and delivered a phenomenal performance in an unfamiliar role. His two-goal brace showed his versatility and instinct as a natural striker, leaving opposition defenses confused and impressed. Manager Mikel Arteta praised Merino's impact, showcasing the team's depth and unity. This triumph also serves as a reminder to opposing teams that Arsenal has the ability to adapt and win, even in the face of injuries.
In a tense match against Sunderland, Arsenal led with goals from Saka and Trossard before conceding a late equalizer in injury time. However, Arsenal legend David Seaman points to goalkeeper David Raya's decision-making as partially responsible for the equalizer. Despite the draw, Arsenal maintains a strong position in the league standings thanks to Raya's past performances.