Michael Vaughan said even former India captain and current BCCI president Sourav Ganguly would have proud to have played a backfoot punch as Washington Sundar did against James Anderson in the 4th Test at Ahmedabad.
Rishabh Pant and spinners Axar Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin may have been the stars for India’s victory in the fourth Test against England but Washington Sundar’s performance did not go unnoticed.
Michael Vaughan: Sourav Ganguly Would Have Been Delighted To Play The Punch Like Washington Sundar
Washington Sundar (96*), who missed out on his maiden century, after India lost their last three wickets in mere five balls in the second innings, received praise from all quarters. Former England captain Michael Vaughan was in awe of his strokeplay.
The left-hander played many attractive strokes during his unbeaten 96-run knock that gave India a healthy lead but what stood out for Michael Vaughan was the backfoot punch Washington Sundar played off James Anderson towards the end of Day 2 in Ahmedabad.
“He’s (Sundar) too good a player to be at No.8 that punch he played off Jimmy Anderson through extra cover towards the end of the day… Sourav Ganguly would have been absolutely delighted to have come off his blade,” Michael Vaughan told in a video interview with Cricbuzz.
Washington Sundar, who made his Test debut in Australia has already scored three vital fifties for India and No.8 is too a low position for someone like him felt the former England cricketer.
“I look where he bats at No. 8 and think he’s not gonna bat there for long. He’s certainly a player that could bat in the top six in time. That’s gonna give India a great option, he can bowl his off spin,” Michael Vaughan added.
Explaining the reasons behind his thought, Michael Vaughan said Washington Sundar has a very good technique.
“Technically very strong, plays straight, picks up length quickly, he’s got good options on both front and back foot off side and on side,” he said.
Washington Sundar made a debut to remember for India in the longest format, scoring 84 runs and bagged 4 wickets, as they beat Australia by 3 wickets in Brisbane to clinch the series 2-1 and retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the second time in succession at Down Under.
Washington Sundar made his India debut in an ODI back in 2017 against Sri Lanka at the tender age of 18. Although that game remains his only appearance in the 50-over format, the off-spinner has played 26 T20Is. He has played 4 Tests so far scoring 265 runs averaging 66.25. He scored a crucial unbeaten 85 in the 1st Test against England at Chennai. He has also picked 6 scalps so far averaging 49.83.
Michael Vaughan: Washington Sundar And Rishabh Pant Are The Future Of Indian Cricket
The former England captain added that despite being only 21 and fairly new at the Test level, he looks completely in control even in pressure situations.
“Again we have to look at the age… 21 Washington Sundar, 23 for Rishabh Pant. They are certainly the future of Indian cricket. I look the way Sundar has played in his short test career. The way he started in Australia and obviously here in his own backyard, you obviously expect him to do well but it’s the pressure…
“We’ve seen him play with great courage and a calm head. I always look at younger players on how they react to pressure situation. Can they send back a message to the dressing room that they are in control. And I think Sundar has shown that he is in full control,” he said.
Rishabh Pant scored 274 runs in 3 Tests in Australia averaging 68.5. He scored 91,11, unbeaten 58, 8, and 101 in the 5 innings against England. He has managed 270 runs so far against England averaging 54. He brought up his 3rd Test hundred in the 4th Test.
Ravichandran Ashwin was the leading wicket-taker with 32 scalps in 4 Tests averaging 14.72 in the recently concluded 4 Test series against England. For his all-around effort (32 wickets and 189 runs), Ravichandran Ashwin walked away with the Man of the Series award.
Axar Patel, playing in just his second Test, scalped 11 wickets in the 3rd day-night Test at Ahmedabad to spin a web over the Englishmen. He returned with figures of 6/38 and 5/32 as England was bundled out for 112 and 81 only in the 3rd Test. Axar Patel took 27 scalps in his memorable debut Test series playing only 3 Tests against England.