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 second day of the IPL 2025 Auction saw intense bidding wars as RCB secured talented English all-rounder Jacob Bethell for Rs 2.6 crore, while CSK acquired Australian pacer Nathan Ellis for Rs 2 crore. Sri Lankan fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera and West Indies sensation Shamar Joseph were sold to Delhi Capitals and LSG respectively, while all-rounder Kamindu Mendis was taken by SRH at his base price of Rs 75 lakh. Several big names like Jason Behrendorff and Navdeep Saini went unsold, making it an eventful day for the IPL teams. Stay updated with the latest business news and stock market updates through our coverage.
The IPL 2025 Auction was headlined by intense bidding wars for top players as MI secured the services of England's Will Jacks for Rs 5.25 crore while RCB acquired Tim David for Rs 3 crore. Other notable buys include Baroda's Deepak Hooda to CSK and Bengal's Shahbaz Ahmed to LSG. The absence of bids for Moeen Ali, however, has raised eyebrows. In case you missed it, catch all the latest business news and updates on Zee Business.
The Rajasthan Royals made a bold move by signing 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi for INR 1.1 crores. The left-handed opener, who has only played five FC games and one T20 match, will make his IPL debut for the inaugural champions. The Royals continue to invest in young talent, along with experienced players, in their pursuit for success in the upcoming season.
After a dominant 5-1 win against Al-Ain, Al-Nassr sets its sights on another victory when it faces Al-Gharafa in the AFC Champions League. Talisca and Cristiano Ronaldo will be key players to watch as they look to continue their impressive form. Stay tuned for an exciting match at Al Bayt Stadium in Qatar.
After a series of disappointing performances and losses in the Saudi Pro League and King Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo's team, Al-Nassr, has made an impressive comeback in the AFC Champions League. With Ronaldo's recent stunning goal for Portugal and his contribution to Al-Nassr's victory against Al-Qadsdsiah, fans and supporters are counting on him to continue his winning streak. However, their upcoming match against Al-Gharafa will be a tough one, as both teams exhibit strong offense but struggle with defensive inconsistencies. Ronaldo will need to be at the top of his game to secure a win for his team and potentially close the gap with the top teams in the AFC Champions League.
Despite a strong track record in Test cricket, James Anderson failed to secure a contract in the IPL auction. However, other English players such as Will Jacks, Jacob Bethell, and Sam Curran made significant gains, with big name teams like Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings acquiring their services. The auction saw a major shakeup in the 2025 edition of the tournament, with teams finalizing their squads for the upcoming season.
As five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians entered IPL 2025 mega auction with a purse of Rs 45 crore, they made some major signings including Deepak Chahar and Trent Boult, who will lead their pace attack. With top players like Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya retained, MI also added valuable players like Ryan Rickelton and Will Jacks to their squad, making their team a formidable one for the upcoming season.
In a busy Day 2 of the IPL 2025 Auction, Chennai Super Kings have continued to bring back familiar faces in their efforts to strengthen their squad. The five-time winners have shelled out Rs 2.4 Crore to rope in former player Sam Curran, along with multiple other Chennai old boys. Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin also makes a return to the CSK squad, while the team has also added the likes of Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, and Noor Ahmad to their unit.
The upcoming Champions League match between Real Madrid and Liverpool brings together two of the biggest teams in the competition, but with vastly different rankings. While Real Madrid sits comfortably at the top of the 36-team standings format, Liverpool finds themselves in a lowly 18th place. This match will not only determine the fate of these two storied powers, but also serve as a reminder of the volatile nature of sports. Will Liverpool pull off an unlikely upset, or will Real Madrid continue their dominance? Only time will tell.
IPL 2025 Mega Auction saw Faf du Plessis being bought by Delhi Capitals for just 2 Crore, and not retained by his former team Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). This decision by RCB signifies a shift in their strategy, perhaps aiming for a fresh start or banking on younger talents. This move not only lets go of a skilled player but also symbolizes a larger shift in the team's direction and approach.