Is Washington Sundar the New Star of Indian Cricket?

A Rising Star in Indian Cricket

Indian cricket has always been a breeding ground for prodigies, but very few manage to turn their potential into sustained success across all formats. In the recent Anderson Tendulkar Trophy series between India and England, one player stood out not only as a contributor but as a vital part of the team—Washington Sundar. His performances with both bat and ball have sparked discussions about his long-term role in the Indian cricket setup. The question now is: Could Washington Sundar be the next big name in Indian cricket across all formats?

Stepping Into Big Shoes

It’s no easy task to step into the shoes of a Tamil Nadu cricketer in the post-Ashwin era. Especially when you’re a spin bowling all-rounder entering a Test side after the retirements of legends like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin. The leadership group had also changed, with Shubman Gill leading a young Indian side trying to find its rhythm. In this period of transition, Washington Sundar did more than just fill a void—he carved out a space that felt tailor-made for him.

Immediate Impact and Resilience

Coming into the series after the first Test, Sundar made an immediate impact. The pressure was immense. India had lost the opening match, and the spin attack lacked bite. The middle order seemed fragile. However, Sundar responded with maturity beyond his years. In the fourth Test, with India trailing and facing a tough situation, he produced a match-saving century. This not only helped India avoid defeat but also showcased a composure rarely seen in players of his age. In the next game, he followed it up with a decisive fifty that leveled the series. This wasn’t just a performance—it was a statement.

A Memorable Start at the Gabba

To understand Sundar’s rise, it’s worth looking back at his early days. He first caught attention during the 2017-18 domestic season with his control and temperament. But it was in 2021 that he truly made the cricketing world take notice, especially during the historic series in Australia. Initially picked as a net bowler, injuries to senior players gave him a chance in the Brisbane Test. Sundar delivered with both bat and ball. His gritty fifty in India’s second innings helped secure a famous win at the Gabba, sealing a 2-1 series victory.

Even then, there were whispers: Could this player be more than just a bit-part cricketer?

Strong Test Numbers

Washington Sundar’s Test numbers are already impressive for someone still in his early twenties. He has two half-centuries in Australia, one century and one fifty in England, and a solid record at home. On turning pitches in India, where even specialists struggle to find consistency, Sundar has scored 270 runs in just five matches and taken 32 wickets in 13 matches overall. These are the numbers of a genuine all-rounder, not a part-time option.

The Evolution Under Gambhir

What stands out is Sundar’s evolution. Initially used as a powerplay off-spinner in white-ball formats, he was once viewed as a defensive option. But under the guidance of Gautam Gambhir, India’s new head coach, his role has dramatically expanded. Gambhir is known for backing players who show grit and intelligence. He sees Washington as a three-format cricketer. His statements in press conferences reflect this belief. Gambhir has often spoken about Sundar’s temperament, adaptability, and the calmness with which he absorbs pressure. This is a cricketer trusted in high-stakes moments.

Praise from Legends

Former coach Ravi Shastri has also praised Sundar. In a recent interview, he said, “This lad is special.” Coming from a man who nurtured India’s golden era from 2017 to 2021, such words carry weight.

A Complete Transformation

Washington’s transformation from a limited overs powerplay spinner to a full-fledged red ball weapon is no accident. He has worked relentlessly on his fitness, wrist position, and ability to extract bounce and dip. His batting, once considered a bonus, has now become a core part of his value. He can anchor an innings, rotate strike, and even clear the ropes when needed. This is not a filler player anymore. This is a multi-dimensional cricketer.

Versatility Across Formats

One of the most telling signs of Washington’s development is his impact across formats. In T20Is, he is a reliable option in the powerplay. In ODIs, he provides balance with control and lower-order runs. And in Tests, he is slowly growing into a player who can deliver with bat and ball under pressure. That kind of versatility is rare and invaluable.

A Young Player with a Bright Future

Let us not forget his age: He is only 25. With the right workload management, mentorship, and role clarity, he could be a mainstay in India’s setup for the next decade. He also brings an aura of calm. There is no chest thumping. No theatrics. Just cricket, clean, effective, and mature.

Can He Be an All Format Great?

But can he become an all-format great? That will depend on opportunity and role clarity. Indian cricket has often been guilty of underutilising or mismanaging talent. Sundar needs a long rope, particularly in Tests and ODIs. He must be allowed to bat higher when needed. He must be persisted with even when wickets do not come for a couple of games. Because what he brings to the table is not always captured in numbers. It is in his temperament, balance, and ability to stabilise chaos.

A New Era for Indian Cricket

The post-Rohit, post-Kohli era is going to be defined by players who can multitask without losing focus. Players like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Ishan Kishan are likely to headline the batting order. But among the all-rounders, India needs someone dependable, someone who does not just fill the XI but adds value to both departments. Right now, Washington Sundar is leading that race.

More Than Just a Rising Star

In a sport driven by numbers and narratives, Sundar’s story has all the makings of a classic: humble beginnings, early promise, international breakthroughs, and now, the chance to be a pillar of a new Indian team.

He has already etched his name in one of the most iconic series in recent memory. Now it is about consistency, trust, and backing from the system.

If the signs are anything to go by, Washington Sundar is not just the next big thing. He might just be the thing Indian cricket builds its next dynasty around.