Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has thrown his weight behind Washington Sundar as a long-term all-round option in Test cricket, calling him a player with the talent and temperament to serve India for years.
Speaking after the third Test at Lord’s, Shastri said on The ICC Review, “I always loved Washington. When I saw him on day one, I said he’s the man. And he can be a genuine all-rounder for many, many years for India.”
Sundar’s Test debut at the Gabba in 2021 was a turning point. Called in during India’s injury crisis, he delivered a crucial 62 under pressure and later helped India secure a historic win. He followed that up with unbeaten scores of 85 and 96 against England, proving his calm and skill with the bat.
Despite these strong performances, Sundar has had limited Test opportunities, playing only 11 matches so far. His batting average of 38.92, with four half-centuries — most from No.7 or lower — speaks volumes about his potential.
Shastri was clear in his belief: “He should have played a lot more Test cricket.” He also highlighted Sundar’s success on turning pitches, pointing to the 2024 series against New Zealand, where Sundar emerged as the joint-leading wicket-taker, taking 16 wickets in four innings and outperforming senior spinners.
“He bowled that well — and he can bat,” Shastri emphasized, noting Sundar’s two-way value.
In the current Test series in England, Sundar’s performance has been steady, contributing 42, 12, 23, and 0 with the bat*, and five wickets with the ball — underscoring his value as a balanced all-rounder.
With India continuing to seek stability and depth in their Test XI, Shastri’s endorsement of Sundar is a reminder of the 25-year-old's untapped potential — one that could offer long-term dividends if backed consistently.
