Washington Sundar ready to step up as India's new spin-bowling all-rounder after Ravindra Jadeja's retirement

Spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar is determined to give his all for the Indian cricket team, focusing on his performance rather than the vacant all-rounder's spot left by Ravindra Jadeja in the T20I set-up.

Jadeja retired from T20I cricket after India's T20 World Cup 2024 victory, leaving a crucial spot up for grabs and Sundar among the few players to fill in. Team India’s ongoing tour of Zimbabwe is really important in terms of recognizing their future stars in T20I cricket, following the retirements of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jadeja.

Washington Sundar eyes all-rounder spot with focus and determination

However, finding replacements for Rohit and Kohli is a challenge, given their immense contribution to Indian cricket, but there is a wealth of top-order batting talent ready to step up, like Abhishek Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Meanwhile, identifying a spin-bowling all-rounder as reliable as Jadeja is a tougher task. The Men in Blue already have Axar Patel as a strong candidate to offer that luxury to the team, but Washington Sundar is also emerging as a prime contender to grab the spot left vacant by Jadeja.

Sundar showcased his batting prowess by keeping India in contention during India's narrow defeat in the first T20I and excelled with the ball in the third match, earning player of the match honors for his stunning figures of 3/15 against Zimbabwe in Harare on July 10.

After India’s 23-run win over Zimbabwe in the third T20I, Sundar said that he is focusing on his strengths and preparation, emphasizing the importance of giving his best effort every day when he was asked whether he is ready to grab Jadeja’s spot in the national set-up.

Sundar believes that thorough preparation keeps him grounded and confident in his skills. He also said that playing for India is a great privilege, and his goal is to consistently perform and improve. With both bat and ball in the shorter format of the game.

I need to do well where I am good at: Washington Sundar

The spin all-rounder is also optimistic that his efforts will lead to success and stability in his role in India’s T20I team while maintaining his dedication and honing his abilities. The 24-year-old made his T20I debut in 2017 against Sri Lanka and played 46 matches, taking 40 wickets and scoring 134 runs.

Washington Sundar said in the post-match press conference in Harare: “I need to do well where I am good at and what I am capable of, especially with my preparation. I need to give my 100 percent every single day. That's something that I have not compromised on.”

Sundar signed off by saying, “It (preparing well) keeps me in the present, and obviously I am very confident as well (about his skills). It's a great opportunity for me to play for India, and I am blessed with it. I need to keep my job consistent, keep preparing, and keep getting better. That way, everything will be taken care of.”

Notably, India and Zimbabwe will square off in the fourth T20I on July 13, followed by the fourth and final T20I on July 14 in Harare. After this series, the Men in Blue will depart for a Sri Lanka tour.