Sundar Praises Gambhir’s Guidance After ODI Victory Over England
Edgbaston: Washington Sundar expressed his gratitude towards India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, for aiding his understanding of batting after he played a crucial role in India’s six-wicket win against England in the first ODI on Tuesday.
Sundar stepped onto the field at No. 5 after captain Shubman Gill had to retire hurt on 80 runs, with India still needing 110 runs to chase down England’s total of 259. The all-rounder achieved an impressive unbeaten score of 52, partnering with Axar Patel to secure a vital 102-run partnership that helped India take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Embracing Versatility
Playing in various batting positions has become second nature for Sundar. In T20 matches, he often finishes games, while in Test cricket, he has batted as high as No. 4. Against England, he once again adjusted effectively, showcasing his adaptability to help India achieve their target.
After the match, the 26-year-old spoke about how much he enjoys taking on different responsibilities. “It’s thrilling to play different roles. Not everyone gets that chance, and I really want to help my team win. Being in various situations during games is exciting,” he said.
Gambhir’s Influence
Sundar highlighted how Gambhir’s guidance since becoming head coach in July 2024 has clarified his batting approach. He also gave a nod to Gujarat Titans coach Ashish Nehra for his positive impact on his development as a cricketer.
“Gauti bhai has always helped me better understand my batting. Ashish Nehra has also supported me greatly, helping me gain clarity about myself both as an individual and as a player,” Sundar shared.
Improving Daily
Sundar emphasized the importance of consistent opportunities and clear communication in his growth as an all-rounder. “It’s crucial for me to keep improving each day and understanding my game while adapting to different situations. Playing a lot of matches gives you the necessary experience to learn,” he added.
“I feel fortunate to have people around me who believe in my abilities and help me discover what I can achieve with my skills,” Sundar concluded.
Acknowledging the Challenge
He also recognized the challenges posed by the Edgbaston pitch, praising Axar Patel for his role in their solid partnership. “The wicket did have its difficulties. Shubman batted superbly, and his partnership with Shreyas Iyer was crucial. Axar kept the runs flowing when we needed them most, making things look easy,” Sundar said.
The all-rounder expressed his happiness with the win and wished Shubman Gill a speedy recovery, stating, “I don’t have any updates about him right now.”
