Washington Sundar openly admits his hate for Gautam Gambhir's..

Team India off-spinner Washington Sundar has revealed that he idolized head coach Gautam Gambhir during his Indian Premier League (IPL) days. Sundar also admitted that he didn’t enjoy bowling to Gambhir in the IPL, as the former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) skipper often got the better of him.

Washington Sundar has received more consistent opportunities in Tests after Gautam Gambhir became Team India’s head coach last year. The all-rounder has played nine out of 13 Test matches under Gambhir’s tenure. Sundar also played a key role in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 in England.

Gautam Gambhir Also Had No. 5 on the Back of His Jersey - Washington Sundar

Washington Sundar recalled that facing Gautam Gambhir in matches was always challenging. He also said that Gambhir trusts his players and motivates them, adding that these traits have helped the team perform consistently.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

“He also had No. 5 on the back of his jersey (like me). And obviously he was a left hander, who was extremely elegant. The only thing I didn’t enjoy was bowling to him in the IPL,” Sundar revealed in an interview with Wisden.

"He was someone who was super succesful against me but he is an amazing human being. He has had so much faith in all of us that we would fight at all times and win the game. Really glad to see him happy at the end of the series," he added.

Their Communication Was Precise - Washington Sundar on Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill

Sundar credited Team India’s success in the England series to the clear and precise communication between Gautam Gambhir, captain Shubman Gill, and the squad.

“Credit to them for having such a calm dressing room throughout the series. Their communication was precise and clear on what was expected. Both of them have a lot of belief in their players and that really helps in the bigger picture,” said Sundar.

Shubman Gill was the pick of the batters for India with 754 runs at an impressive average of 75.40 across 10 innings. Mohammed Siraj was the leading wicket-taker, claiming 23 wickets at an average of 32.43 in nine innings.

Washington Sundar Cements Place With Bat and Ball in England Test Series

Washington Sundar has cemented his place in the Test squad with impactful all-round performances. He played four of the five Tests during the England series, scoring 284 runs at an average above 47.

The left-handed batter, batting at No. 5, scored his maiden Test century during the fourth Test in Manchester. He and Ravindra Jadeja added a 203-run stand that helped India overturn a massive 311-run first-innings deficit to force a memorable draw.

With the ball, Sundar picked up seven wickets in the series, including a superb four-wicket haul at Lord’s - the second-best figures by an Indian spinner in England in the 21st century.

India bounced back from trailing 1-2 in the series to draw the fourth Test and win the decider by six runs. The series victory eased pressure on Gambhir, who had faced criticism after consecutive Test series defeats to New Zealand and Australia.

Also read: Suresh Raina in boiling legal betting trouble, Enforcement Directorate involved