Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar had not enjoyed many significant opportunities in Test cricket until India head coach Gautam Gambhir began backing him. Since late October, Sundar has played nine of his 13 Test matches under Gambhir’s guidance, making a strong impact — particularly in the recent Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy.
Appearing in four Tests against England, Sundar scored 284 runs, including his maiden Test century, and claimed seven wickets — four of them at Lord’s Cricket Ground. These were the second-best figures by an Indian spinner in England in the 21st century. Sundar praised Gambhir’s leadership, noting that he had idolized him during previous IPL seasons.
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“He also had number 5 on the back of his jersey, just 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 — he was very successful against me. But he is an amazing human being. He has had so much faith in all of us, trusting that we would always fight and find a way to win. I’m really glad to see him happy at the end of the series,” Sundar told Wisden.
Sundar credited India’s strong performance against England to the clear communication between Gambhir and skipper Shubman Gill.
“Credit to them for maintaining such a calm dressing room throughout the series. Their communication was precise and clear about what was expected. Both of them have a lot of belief in their players, and that really helps in the bigger picture,” Sundar said.
During a 203-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja, Sundar scored his maiden Test century in England, helping India secure a memorable draw.
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