Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has shed light on Washington Sundar’s career trajectory, especially regarding his performance in Test cricket and its impact on his white-ball game. Managing expectations and utilization of Sundar’s skills has been a point of contention among teams.
Washington Sundar’s Career Overview
Washington Sundar, currently 26 years old, plays for the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL). His career includes stints with Rising Pune Supergiants, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Over 75 IPL matches, he has accumulated:
- 680 runs at an average of 17.43
- 40 wickets at an average of 37.17
However, his complete bowling allocation of four overs has only been utilized in 27 matches, indicating a struggle to fully capitalize on his skills as a bowler.
Impact of Test Cricket on Washington Sundar
Manjrekar believes Sundar’s experience in Test cricket has created some confusion regarding his role in white-ball formats. He first gained recognition in the IPL in 2017 with Rising Pune Supergiants. Primarily, Sundar excelled in the PowerPlay overs, showcasing his ability as an effective bowler. Manjrekar drew parallels between Sundar and fellow cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin, emphasizing his early success in T20 bowling.
The Australian Test Series
An important milestone in Sundar’s career was his performance during India’s Test series in Australia. Manjrekar noted that Sundar displayed resilience, scoring vital runs down the order, which drew attention to his potential both as a bowler and a batsman.
Challenges in White-Ball Cricket
Despite his impressive Test outings, Manjrekar expressed concern that Sundar has not consistently adapted to white-ball cricket. The former international cricketer remarked that Sundar is currently not seen as a pure bowler or a consistent batsman. To maximize his talent, he should be given a regular bowling role, focusing on his off-spin capabilities.
Manjrekar suggests that leveraging Sundar’s strengths can help him become a more integral part of the team in T20 formats. His dual ability as a spinner and lower-order batsman showcases versatility. However, proper management is critical to avoid overburdening this young talent.
Conclusion
Washington Sundar’s journey illustrates how Test cricket has transformed his career, particularly in the context of his role in white-ball cricket. By focusing on his bowling workload and clear expectations, teams can better utilize his skills, enhancing both his performance and contribution to the game.
