Washington Sundar: A Rising Star for India's Test Cricket

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri believes Washington Sundar has the potential to become India's next long-term Test all-rounder. Sundar, 25, has shown his ability to excel in home conditions with both bat and ball. Shastri praises Sundar's technical attributes, suggesting he can be lethal even in overseas conditions. Sundar has made key contributions in the ongoing England series, including 4/22 in the second innings at Lord's.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has expressed confidence in the potential of young all-rounder Washington Sundar to become India's next long-term Test all-rounder. Sundar, who is currently 25 years old, has demonstrated his ability to excel in home conditions with both bat and ball during the ongoing England series.

Shastri, who served as India's head coach during Sundar's debut, has praised the youngster's technical attributes and suggested that he can be lethal even in overseas conditions. Sundar has made key contributions in the series, including a 4/22 spell in the second innings at Lord's, where he grabbed the key wickets of Joe Root, Ben Stokes, and Jamie Smith.

Despite batting at No.7 or lower in 10 of his 11 Test appearances, Sundar has maintained a remarkable batting average of 38.92, which includes four half-centuries. Shastri believes that Sundar can move up the batting order and perform well overseas, given the right opportunities.

Shastri's support for Sundar comes at a crucial time, as the Indian team is facing several injury issues ahead of the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford. Injuries to key players such as Rishabh Pant, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, and Nitish Kumar Reddy have forced the team management to consider a rejigged playing XI.

Sundar's potential as an all-rounder is a significant asset for the Indian team, especially considering the ongoing challenges posed by injuries and the need for a balanced playing XI. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball could be a game-changer for India in the remaining Tests of the series.

References:
[1] https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/shastri-backs-youngster-to-be-genuine-all-rounder-for-many-many-years
[2] https://www.business-standard.com/cricket/news/india-playing-xi-injury-update-4th-test-vs-england-2025-125072100291_1.html
[3] https://m.economictimes.com/news/sports/ravi-shastri-puts-weight-behind-young-star-to-be-genuine-all-rounder-for-may-years/articleshow/122826666.cms