Washington Sundar's path to international cricket was built on consistent performances in Tamil Nadu's age-group system and India's Under-19 setup. Long before he became known as a dependable all-rounder for India, he had established himself as one of the most promising young cricketers in the country through performances that showcased both maturity and versatility.

Rise Through Tamil Nadu Age-Group Cricket

Sundar progressed through Tamil Nadu's highly competitive junior cricket structure, representing the state in various age-group tournaments. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball quickly distinguished him from his peers. Coaches and selectors viewed him as a rare prospect who could influence matches in multiple disciplines rather than being limited to a single role.

Throughout his Under-16 and Under-19 years, Sundar built a reputation for consistency. While many young players gained attention through aggressive batting or wicket-taking spells, he impressed observers with his cricketing intelligence, composure under pressure, and adaptability to different match situations. At just 12 years old, he made headlines in local school cricket by scoring 42 runs and taking 3 wickets for 10 runs to help St. Bede's defeat St. Michael's Academy in the TNCA City schools Under-16 competition.

India Under-19 Selection

His performances for Tamil Nadu eventually earned him selection for India's Under-19 setup. The move represented a major milestone in his development as he began competing against some of the best young cricketers from around the world.

Sundar became a regular feature in India's youth squads and was recognized as a player capable of contributing in all departments. His off-spin bowling, in particular, attracted attention because of his control and ability to contain opposition batters during crucial phases of an innings.

2016 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup

The biggest stage of Sundar's youth career arrived at the 2016 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in Bangladesh. India entered the tournament as one of the favorites and eventually reached the final under the captaincy of Ishan Kishan.

Sundar was part of a squad that included several future international cricketers, such as Rishabh Pant and Khaleel Ahmed. While he played as a specialist top-order batter and did not compile massive run aggregates, he played an important supporting role as an all-rounder throughout the campaign, bowling crucial, tight spells.

India at the 2016 Under-19 World Cup

Although India fell short in the final against the West Indies, Sundar stood out under immense pressure. He bowled a remarkably economical visual spell of nine overs, conceding just 18 runs without a wicket. The tournament significantly increased Sundar's visibility among scouts and Indian Premier League franchises. The experience of playing in a World Cup environment at a young age accelerated his development and exposed him to high-pressure cricket.

First-Class Debut for Tamil Nadu

Washington Sundar made his First-Class debut for Tamil Nadu during the 2016–17 Ranji Trophy season on 6 October 2016 against Mumbai at Rohtak, just a day after turning 17.

His selection came at a time when Tamil Nadu possessed one of the strongest domestic squads in India. Breaking into the side required exceptional talent and strong performances in age-group cricket, both of which Sundar had demonstrated consistently.

The transition from youth cricket to senior domestic cricket can often be difficult, but Sundar adapted quickly. He opened the batting on debut, showing immense resilience by scoring 56 runs in the second innings after a tough single-digit exit in the first, helping steady his team against a formidable Mumbai bowling attack. His calm temperament and ability to contribute in multiple roles allowed him to fit naturally into the Tamil Nadu setup.

Early Ranji Trophy Career

During his initial seasons with Tamil Nadu, Sundar primarily played as a specialist top-order batter who bowled valuable off-spin. His batting potential became even more evident during the subsequent 2017–18 season, when he smashed his maiden First-Class century, a brilliant 159 against Tripura while opening the innings.

His off-spin bowling remained a key asset and grew rapidly under the mentorship of senior state spinners. Unlike many young spinners who relied heavily on turn, Sundar focused on accuracy, control, and tactical awareness. These qualities made him effective across different conditions and formats, eventually shifting his primary role toward that of a frontline bowling all-rounder.

Early Domestic Development

He made his List A debut on 1 March 2017 against Maharashtra in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, contributing to Tamil Nadu's title-winning campaign that season.

Breakthrough in T20 Cricket

While Sundar's red-ball development was progressing steadily, his biggest breakthrough came in domestic T20 cricket. His ability to bowl inside the powerplay, a role generally considered one of the most difficult in the format, made him an extremely valuable asset.

Selectors and franchise scouts were particularly impressed by his economy rate and composure against experienced batters. Unlike many young spinners who were introduced later in the innings, Sundar regularly bowled with the new ball and delivered consistent results, strangling opposing lineups for runs. This unique skill would soon become one of the defining aspects of his career.

Road to the IPL

The combination of strong domestic performances, Under-19 World Cup experience, and success in T20 cricket put Sundar firmly on the radar of IPL franchises.

His breakthrough opportunity arrived ahead of IPL 2017 when Rising Pune Supergiant signed him as a replacement player for the injured senior Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. What initially appeared to be a temporary opportunity soon transformed into the biggest turning point of his career.

Competing alongside established international stars like MS Dhoni and Steven Smith provided invaluable exposure, and Sundar seized the chance with remarkable maturity. His performances during the season, particularly a match-winning 3 for 16 against Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 1, would pave the way for higher honors, including selection for the Indian national team later that year.

By the end of 2017, Washington Sundar had completed a rapid rise from promising Tamil Nadu youngster to one of India's most exciting all-round prospects. The foundation laid through domestic cricket and the Under-19 system had prepared him for the next challenge, international cricket.

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International Career and Career-Defining Performances

Washington Sundar's international journey has been marked by versatility, resilience, and the ability to deliver in high-pressure situations. Having impressed in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League, he earned his first India call-up in 2017 and quickly established himself as a valuable all-round option across formats.

ODI Debut

Sundar made his One Day International debut for India against Sri Lanka on 13 December 2017 at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali.

Although he did not have a major role with the bat, his selection at a young age reflected the confidence Indian selectors had in his all-round abilities and temperament.

T20I Debut

Just days after his ODI debut, Sundar made his T20 International debut against Sri Lanka on 24 December 2017 at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium.

At the time of his debut, Sundar became the youngest player ever to represent India in T20 Internationals (aged 18 years and 80 days). His ability to bowl economically inside the powerplay quickly made him a favorite of India's limited-overs management.

Early Success in T20 Cricket

The Nidahas Trophy in Sri Lanka during March 2018 became Sundar's first major international breakthrough. Competing against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, he emerged as one of India's standout performers. His disciplined powerplay bowling consistently restricted opposition batters and earned praise from senior players and commentators.

The tournament ended with India lifting the trophy after a dramatic final against Bangladesh, remembered for Dinesh Karthik's last-ball six. Sundar's performances throughout the tournament earned him the Player of the Series award (having claimed 8 wickets across 5 matches), making him the youngest player to receive the honor in a multi-team international T20 competition.

Establishing Himself in India's White-Ball Setup

Between 2018 and 2020, Sundar became a regular member of India's T20I squad. Team management valued his ability to bowl with the new ball, something very few finger spinners around the world successfully do.

His batting also continued to develop. Although initially selected primarily for his bowling, coaches increasingly viewed him as a genuine all-rounder capable of contributing valuable runs in the lower middle order. However, injuries periodically interrupted his progress, preventing him from securing a permanent place across all formats during this period.

Test Debut: The Gabba, Brisbane

The defining chapter of Sundar's career began during India's tour of Australia in 2020–21. After multiple injuries struck India's squad during the series, Sundar received an unexpected Test call-up. He made his Test debut against Australia on 15 January 2021 at The Gabba, Brisbane—one of the most intimidating venues in world cricket.

Despite entering the match with no prior Test experience, Sundar delivered one of the most memorable debut performances by an Indian all-rounder overseas.

The Famous 62 at The Gabba

India found itself under significant pressure after losing early wickets in the first innings. Batting alongside Shardul Thakur, Sundar produced a composed innings of 62 runs. The pair added a crucial 123-run partnership that helped India recover from a difficult situation and remain competitive in the match.

The knock showcased several qualities that would define Sundar's Test batting:

• Excellent temperament

• Strong defensive technique

• Ability to counter high-quality pace bowling

• Confidence against elite opposition

Many observers considered the innings one of the major turning points of the entire match.

Contributions with the Ball

Sundar also impressed with his off-spin bowling, claiming important Australian wickets during the match (including Steve Smith as his maiden Test wicket). His ability to contribute significantly in both disciplines immediately elevated his status within Indian cricket and strengthened the perception that he could become a long-term Test all-rounder.

The England Series and Maiden Test Fifty at Home

Following the historic Australia tour, Sundar retained his place for India's home Test series against England in 2021. During the Ahmedabad Test, he scored another crucial half-century and demonstrated his growing confidence at the international level. Several experts praised his batting technique against spin and pace, noting that he looked far more accomplished than a typical lower-order batter.

Career-Defining Performances

Player of the Series – Nidahas Trophy 2018

Sundar's performances throughout the tournament established him as one of India's most promising young white-ball cricketers. His ability to control the powerplay against aggressive batters made him a unique asset, finishing the tournament with 8 wickets at an outstanding economy rate of 5.70.

62 on Test Debut vs Australia | Brisbane | January 2021

This innings remains one of the most important knocks of his career. Coming under immense pressure against Australia's world-class attack, Sundar showed maturity beyond his experience, scoring 62 in the first innings and a crucial, quick-fire 22 in the second innings to help India script one of the greatest victories in Test cricket history.

96* vs England | Ahmedabad | March 2021

Sundar narrowly missed out on a maiden Test century but produced a superb, unbeaten innings of 96 off 174 balls in the 4th Test. He was unfortunately stranded at the non-striker's end as the tail collapsed around him, but the knock was widely praised as proof that he could develop into a genuine top-order batsman in Test cricket.

Match-Winning All-Round Contributions Across Formats

Over the years, Sundar has repeatedly demonstrated his value as a multi-format all-rounder. Whether opening the bowling in T20 Internationals, contributing crucial lower-order runs in Tests, or providing balance in ODIs, he has consistently filled roles that few players can perform effectively.

From Squad Player to Multi-Format All-Rounder

Sundar's international career has not followed a straightforward path. Injuries have periodically disrupted his momentum and forced him to spend time away from the national team. Yet every comeback has reinforced the same message: India views him as a rare cricketer capable of contributing with both bat and ball at the highest level.

His performances in Australia, England, and major white-ball tournaments have demonstrated that he possesses the temperament required for international cricket. As he enters the prime years of his career, Sundar remains one of India's most valuable all-round options and a player capable of shaping matches across all three formats.