The Story
Former Australian paceman Brett Lee seems to be complete awestruck with the talent of rising off-spinning all-rounder Washington Sundar. The teenager, who first rose to prominence with his appearance for Rising Pune Super Giants in IPL 10, has earned new fans with his all-round show for the Tuti Patriots in the ongoing second season of the TNPL.
Terrific performer
Lee, who was the brand ambassador for the Ruby Kanchi Warriors during the inaugural edition of the last year, counts Sundar as an “absolutely terrific” player who is one for the future. Sundar has been bestowed with the high praise from the Australian legend after he hit the first century of TNPL 2017, scoring 107 yesterday (August 1) to help TuTi Patriots register their 4th successive win.
His influence on his franchise has been monstrous. Sundar has pocketed Man-of-the-match awards in all four matches so far and currently the leading run scorer and wicket-taker for the tournament with 287 runs and 8 wickets.
“I am a big fan of Washington Sundar. He is a very exciting player. He’s a player who offers a lot with the bat and ball. He is tall, confident, and very good in the field. Definitely a player for the future. Absolutely terrific!,” Lee told TNPL’s website when asked about the 17-year-old off spin all-rounder.
Lee has been working in association with the league for the second straight year and praised the opportunity which the TNPL is offering to the cricketers.
“It gives the youngsters a wonderful opportunity to showcase their talent. So this sort of league must happen right across India. It can be TNPL, it can be a league up north, a league in Mumbai and many more.”
Sundar gained limelight during his stint in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2017 playing for Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) where he became the youngest play an IPL final and also bowled the most economical spell (0/13 in 4 overs) in the summit clash.
Sundar credited his time in the IPL behind his recent performances and revealed the tips and tricks from team-mates Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Steve Smith, Ben Stokes and others has helped him better his game.