Gautam Gambhir hailed as mastermind behind Washington Sundar's career revival by ex-Australia coach

Former Australia coach Sridharan Sriram revealed that Gautam Gambhir had his eyes on young all-rounder Washington Sundar for the last two years. Sridharan Sriram said that Gambhir always felt that Washington Sundar was underutilized by the Indian selectors and team management in the past.

Washington Sundar played a crucial role in the second Test against New Zealand. He recorded his career-best first-class figures of 7 for 59 in Test cricket. Sundar's performance justified Gautam Gambhir's decision, especially after facing criticism for resting Kuldeep Yadav to include him in the team.

Gautam Gambhir Believed Washington Sundar Was Being Underutilised - Sridharan Sriram

Speaking to Indian Express, Sridharan Sriram said that he wasn’t surprised by the decision to play Washington Sundar over Kuldeep Yadav. He said that Sundar has been part of the team in all formats since Gambhir took over, given his versatility.

“If you look at it, from the moment GG (Gambhir) came into the picture, Washy has been a regular across formats because he always believed he was being underutilised," Sriram said.

"Gautam always believed Washington, with his versatility, had a lot to offer in terms of a batsman and as well as a bowler. Gautam prefers multi-utility cricketers and Washington fits that bill. And Gautam knows how to use him. On Indian pitches, he wanted a finger spinner ahead of a wrist-spinner, and Washington showed why it was a sensible move," he added.

Washington Sundar Not Part Of India's Initial Squad

It is worth noting that Sundar wasn't part of the initial squad for the series against New Zealand. However, he was brought in after the team's eight-wicket loss in the first match in Bengaluru. He last played a Test match in 2021 against England, where he scored an unbeaten 96 in India's first innings.

After bowling out New Zealand for 259, India captain Rohit Sharma was dismissed for a nine-ball duck at the end of Day 1, leaving the team at 16/1. The home side struggled with the bat during the second day of the game. They were bowled out for just 156 runs, trailing New Zealand by 103 runs.

I Remember Him Reaching Out Asking - Sridharan Sriram

The former Australia coach recalled that Washington Sundar reached out for guidance on improving his red-ball skills during their time together at Royal Challengers Bangalore. Sriram said that Sundar followed his advice during the ongoing second Test match against New Zealand.

“Post IPL, I remember him reaching out asking what he has to do with the ball. I just advised him to concentrate on over-spin. When we worked together at Royal Challengers Bangalore, that’s what I told him and even now it was the same message,” Sriram further stated.

"With his height, bounce is always going to be his biggest strength. And when you have good over-spin, you will be able to generate as much help from the surface. That is exactly what he did at Pune,” he concluded.

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