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.
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