Washington Sundar Strikes: The Silent Game-Changer
Washington Sundar Strikes: The Silent Game-Changer
Washington Sundar’s latest spell has once again underlined his reputation as India’s understated match-winner. With a blend of guile, control, and tactical nous, Sundar’s impact in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 has been pivotal, quietly tilting the balance in India’s favour at crucial moments.
Match Context
The third Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 at Lord’s saw India and England locked at 1-1, with the series finely poised. The pitch, a classic Lord’s surface, offered early seam but promised turn as the game wore on. With overcast skies and a hint of moisture, captains were tempted to bowl first, but the real contest was always going to be between England’s middle order and India’s spin arsenal on days four and five[4].
Spell of the Day
Washington Sundar’s defining moment came in England’s second innings, just as the hosts threatened to build a match-winning lead. Brought on in the 38th over, Sundar’s first ball was a teasing off-break that drifted in and straightened, beating the outside edge. The next delivery—a quicker arm-ball—trapped Ollie Pope plumb in front. Two balls later, he tossed one up to Ben Foakes, drawing him forward before the ball dipped and spun sharply to take the edge, pouched safely at slip.
His figures for the spell:
6 overs, 2 maidens, 12 runs, 3 wickets
Each wicket was a masterclass in deception and control, breaking England’s resistance and swinging momentum India’s way[4].
Variations and Strategy
Sundar’s success lies in his subtle variations:
Arm-ball: Delivered with a scrambled seam, it skids on with the angle, often catching right-handers LBW or bowled.
Flight and Drift: He uses the crease to alter angles, sometimes coming wider to create drift away from the bat.
Hawk-Eye Data: His average release speed in this Test was 89 km/h, with a deviation of up to 2.3° on his off-breaks and 0.7° on the arm-ball, making it difficult for batters to pick the variation until late.
His ability to bowl tight lines, especially to left-handers, has made him a go-to bowler in the middle overs, often stifling scoring and forcing errors[4][5].
Captain’s Trust Factor
After the match, India’s skipper Rohit Sharma explained his decision:
“Washington’s control and temperament under pressure are invaluable. He’s someone I can throw the ball to when the game is in the balance, and he always delivers. That spell broke the game open for us.”[4]
Career Graph Since Comeback
Since returning to the national side in late 2024, Sundar has been in stellar form across formats. Here’s a look at his last 10 international matches:
Format | Matches | Wickets | Economy | Batting Runs | Batting Avg | Notable Cameos |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tests | 5 | 18 | 2.65 | 212 | 35.3 | 52*, 41 |
ODIs | 3 | 6 | 4.10 | 67 | 33.5 | 28* |
T20Is | 2 | 4 | 6.80 | 34 | 17.0 | 22 |
His all-round contributions have been crucial, especially in tight finishes[2][4].
The All-Round Package
Sundar’s value extends beyond his bowling:
Fielding: Agile in the ring, he has saved crucial runs and taken sharp catches, including a diving effort at backward point in this Test.
Lower-order Batting: His calmness under pressure was evident with a gritty 41* in the first innings, shepherding the tail and adding vital runs[2].
Wrap-Up
Washington Sundar’s quiet efficiency and tactical intelligence have made him India’s silent game-changer. As his performances grow in stature, the question for selectors and fans alike is clear: Should Sundar be a fixture in all formats for India? Share your thoughts—has he done enough to be India’s all-format all-rounder?
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