IPL 2018: It Will Be A Priceless Experience To Play With Virat Kohli & AB de Villiers: Washington Sundar

Washington Sundar has not looked back since being roped in by Rising Pune Supergiant as a replacement for injured Ravichandran Ashwin in last year’s Indian Premier League. At just 17, he made his IPL debut and did not let the franchise regret its decision of giving the youngster a chance.

He took eight wickets including the outstanding spell of three for 16 in the first qualifier against Mumbai Indians. What was even more impressive was that his economy-rate was just a shade over six despite bowling in the powerplay overs. He continued his impressive show in the domestic arena too. He picked up 11 wickets and scoring a fifty in a match and continued the same form in the ongoing Ranji Trophy, where he has scored 315 runs so including the 159-run knock against Tripura which was his maiden first-class ton in addition to picking up 12 wickets.

His consistent performances helped him get his maiden India call-up for the Sri Lanka series at the age of just 18, and he has now received another reward in the form of a lucrative IPL deal. Royal Challengers Bangalore bought the Tamil Nadu star for INR 3.3 crore in the recently-concluded IPL auctions. It will give him an opportunity to share the dressing room with the likes of Virat Kohli, Brendon McCullum and AB de Villiers and the young allrounder is excited to play for the Bangalore-based outfit.

“I am delighted to have been picked up by RCB. I am a big fan of Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers. It will be a priceless experience to play with them after having played alongside MS Dhoni for (Rising) Pune Supergiant last year,” Washington told PTI.

He also said playing for the two-time IPL finalists would be a blessing as he could learn new things by watching the stalwarts at close quarters.

“Having played with MSD in last year’s IPL and imbibed a lot of good things and now I feel it will be a blessing to be in Kohli’s team. I can learn a lot by watching them from close quarters,” Washington, whose base price was Rs 1.5 crore, said.

“My aim is to keep improving and perform to the best of my ability in every opportunity I get,” he added.

M Sundar, Washington’s father, also expressed his delight over his son’s lucrative contract. At the same time, he said more than the money; it was important that his son will get an opportunity to play in a good team.

“I can’t express my happiness in words. It is a great opportunity for him. He will be part of a good team with a lot of big names to boot. He can learn a lot,” he said.

“Last year, he was bought for his base price (by RPS). But he got recognised for his performances and earned a national call-up,” the senior Sundar added.