Washington Sundar beats Hardik Pandya, Riyan Parag for 'Impact Fielder' Award in Bangladesh T20Is

Washington Sundar grabbed the attention during India’s recent three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, as he outshined his teammates Hardik Pandya and Riyan Parag to win the prestigious 'Impact Fielder' Award after they whitewashed Bangladesh at home.

This behind-the-scenes 'Impact Fielder' Award is designed to honor outstanding fielding performances by the Indian cricket team players, and it has now found its latest recipient in Sundar, whose exceptional fielding at the boundary made him the highlight of the recent T20I series.

Washington Sundar steals the spotlight with the 'Impact Fielder' award in India's 3-0 T20I series win over Bangladesh

The award was designed by Team India’s fielding coach T Dilip during the 2023 ODI World Cup, and it was retained for the recent bilateral Bangladesh series to acknowledge the often-overlooked yet pivotal contributions on the field by the national players.

Sundar, one of the dependable Indian all-rounders, caught everyone’s attention with his sharp instincts, agile movements, and tireless energy while fielding in the recent T20I series against Bangladesh.

As India celebrated a remarkable clean sweep of 5-0 victory across both Test and T20I series, Sundar’s fielding efforts were honored at the dressing room after the third and final T20I.

Meanwhile, Indian all-rounder and Player of the Series, Hardik Pandya, was a leading candidate for the award. His energy, compared to a "Formula 1 car in top gear" by the fielding coach, electrified the field as he took five catches and executed a run-out in the T20I series.

India’s fielding coach T Dilip hails Riyan Parag and Washington Sundar

Riyan Parag, known for his knack for making difficult catches seem easy, was another strong contender to win the honor, as the youngster completed four stunning catches, three of which came in the final T20I in Hyderabad, where India beat Bangladesh by 133 runs on Saturday.

Praising Parag, India’s fielding coach T Dilip said: “When it comes to cutting angles and saving runs, he makes catches look so simple. I love the way he feels bad when he misses those one-percent chances on the field. Riyan Parag, contender number two. Hats off to the composure with which he takes those catches.”

However, it was Washington Sundar’s accuracy at the boundary that earned him the 'Impact Fielder Award. His ability to stay composed under pressure and his excellent judgment in the field proved to be game-changers, according to the fielding coach.

Dilip said in a video posted by the BCCI on its official website: “He's been exceptional when it comes to anticipation and cutting angles in the field. Every time you come here, you try to improve. I've seen a different Washington Sundar this time around.”

Honestly feels amazing: Sundar on winning the medal

On the other hand, the Washington Sundar said on receiving the award, “This honestly feels amazing. I try and give my 100 percent whenever I am on the field. And everyone can contribute on the field, no matter what the situation. Very grateful for this, thanks to T. Dilip sir and the entire support staff.”

𝗗𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝗕𝗧𝗦 | 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗙𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝟮𝟬𝗜 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 | #INDvBAN

The series where intent matched energy 😎

The Fielding 🏅 goes to.. 🥁

WATCH 🎥🔽 - By @RajalArora | #TeamIndia | @IDFCFIRSTBank

— BCCI (@BCCI) October 13, 2024

Notably, India will next take on New Zealand in a three-match Test series, starting in Bengaluru on October 16, followed by a four-match T20I series in South Africa next month.