IND vs SL 2017-18: Washington Sundar Excited to Play Alongside MS Dhoni

The BCCI on Monday announced the squad for the three-match T20 internationals against Sri Lanka to be played in December and selected new faces like Basil Thampi, Mohammed Siraj, Washington Sundar and Deepak Hooda based on their domestic and IPL performances. The selectors have also picked up Dhawal Kulkarni who has been picked for the national side after a gap of three years.

The youngest pick in the squad is the selection of 18-year-old bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar who has been awarded for his performances in the domestic circuit. Washington Sundar was tipped to be picked in the T20 series against Australia but missed the cut as he failed to clear the ‘Yo-Yo’ Test in October. However, he got his maiden India call-up just after the news of him clearing the test at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore on Saturday came out.

Just after earning his maiden call-up, Sundar expressed his excitement to play along his Rising Pune Supergiant teammate and veteran Indian wicketkeeper MS Dhoni. Sundar said:

“Any cricketer would want to play alongside MS Dhoni. I have played a few games with him in the IPL but playing alongside him for the country is different, quite special. I am really looking forward to it. He always makes the job easier for any bowler and he did the same for me as well. So I am happy that I am able to represent India when he is also in the team.”  

When asked about the major factors which led to his selection for the T20 squad he credited his domestic performances which include the IPL:

 “I cannot be particular on what contributed to my selection but I think I did well in IPL and I also played a match against Australia representing Board President’s XI and I did well there. Last year, I also did well in Vijay Hazare and Deodhar Trophy. So I think everything put together worked for me. At the back of my mind, I had a belief that I may be picked for the T20’s.”

The three-match T20 series is scheduled to begin from 20^th December 2017.