It is a dream come true for me: Washington Sundar

The Indian squad for the upcoming T20I matches against Sri Lanka was announced on Monday (December 4) and it must have brought great joy to the young Washington Sundar to see his name listed amongst the best of the nation’s Cricket. The 18-year-old all-rounder had previously missed out on being chosen for the shortest format series against Australia. The 3-match T20I series begins on December 20, at the Barabati Stadium, Cuttack.

A stylish left-handed batsman and an equally handy off-break bowler, Sundar fell short of being selected into the Indian team for the T20 series against Australia as he failed the Yo-Yo Test. However, he didn’t let that deter him from his course as he worked hard at his fitness and simultaneously, performed well in the domestic circuit. This time around, the wiry youngster passed the fitness test and stamped his name onto the Indian side.

Washington Sundar elated to get maiden India call-up

Speaking to Sportstar, Sundar said, “It is a dream come true for me. Not many teenagers get an opportunity to play for the country and I consider myself fortunate. Every practice session I attended was with the aim of playing for India some day.” He also elaborated on how he coped with not being able to get through to the team for the Australia series. “The fact that I missed out playing against a team such as Australia hurt me but I willed my way through that period. It was difficult but I did not lose belief,” he said.

Sundar had previously been a part of the Indian U-19 squad. Subsequently, he’d been chosen to replace an injured Ravichandran Ashwin in Pune Supergiants team for IPL 2017, where he developed a camaraderie with MS Dhoni. “I could walk up to him for his advice even during his off hours. He would gladly share his thoughts with me, sort out my problems, give me valuable suggestions. Behind the stumps, he would always encourage me. I am so happy I am joining the Indian squad when he is in the team,” said Sundar, expressing how playing with Dhoni in the Indian team would be a “dream within a dream.”