Washington Sundar of India has been nominated for the ICC Player of the Month award following his strong performances in the T20I series against Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka.
Washington Sundar, an all-rounder from India, has been nominated for the ICC Player of the Month award, along with England’s Gus Atkinson and Charlie Cassell of Scotland. Sundar was a significant member of India’s youthful side that toured Zimbabwe for a five-match T20 International series. With the regular T20I players rested following their successful Men’s T20 World Cup campaign, Sundar took advantage of the opportunity to establish himself as the team’s primary spin-bowling all-rounder. Despite India’s surprising loss in the first T20I, Sundar put on an outstanding effort, taking 2/11 and scored a critical 27 runs. His all-round efforts kept India in the game, but they finally finished 13 runs short of the target of 115.The tenacious all-rounder was essential to India’s victory, as they overcame a 1-0 lead in the series to win 4-1. Over the course of the final four games, Sundar took six more wickets thanks to his steady performances with the ball. In the third Twenty20 International, he had a very impressive performance, recording 3/15 and winning Player of the Match. With the joint-highest number of wickets in the series (eight), Sundar’s outstanding efforts won him the Player of the Series award.
Sundar’s excellent showing continued in the second series against Sri Lanka, when, despite the return of regular players, he capitalized on his opportunity in a dramatic Super Over match. In a low-scoring game, Sundar’s critical knock of 25 from 18 balls enabled India record a competitive total of 137/8. With Sri Lanka needing only 23 runs from 24 balls and eight wickets in hand, Sundar’s two wickets in two deliveries prompted a stunning reversal that resulted in a Super Over. Sundar produced admirably with the ball, giving only two runs and capturing two wickets to help India sweep the series 3-0.
