Washington Sundar praised India head coach Gautam Gambhir after playing a key role in India’s six-wicket win over England in the first ODI at Edgbaston on Tuesday.
The all-rounder remained unbeaten on 52 and helped India chase down 259 to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. After the match, Sundar said Gambhir’s guidance had helped him understand his batting better and play with more confidence.
Sundar Delivers Under Pressure
Sundar came to the crease after captain Shubman Gill retired hurt on 80 with India still needing 110 runs for victory.
The 26-year-old stayed calm and paced his innings well. He added an unbeaten 102-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Player of the Match Axar Patel, who scored an unbeaten 57, as India completed the chase with six wickets in hand.
Enjoying Different Roles for India
Sundar has batted in several positions for India across formats. In T20Is, he has often been asked to finish the innings, while in Test cricket he has even batted at No. 4. Against England, he once again adapted to a different role and made it count.
Speaking after the match, Sundar said he enjoys taking on different responsibilities for the team.
“The fact that I play different roles is exciting. Not many people get to play different roles. I get to play those different roles and be in those different situations. Obviously, I try my best to help the team win. As I said, it is exciting to be in different situations and different phases of the game,” Sundar said.
Gambhir Helped Me Understand My Batting
Sundar said Gambhir has played a big role in helping him improve as a batter since becoming India’s head coach in July 2024. He also thanked Gujarat Titans head coach Ashish Nehra for supporting his growth both on and off the field.
“Gauti bhai always made me understand what exactly I could do with the bat, especially, and made me understand my game as well. Even Ashish Nehra at GT has always made sure… he has helped me understand myself a lot more, be it as a person or as a cricketer on the whole,” Sundar said.
‘Playing More Games Helps You Improve’
The all-rounder believes regular opportunities and the trust shown by his coaches have helped him become a better cricketer.
“As an all-rounder, I think it is really important to keep looking to improve every single day, understand my game and, obviously, play according to the situation. Playing a lot of games also helps. You get to be in those situations, understand what exactly you can do, and you have a lot of learning as well.
“So yes, I am so grateful that I have got such people who have always had faith in my skill sets and also made me understand what exactly I could do with my different skill sets.”
Sundar’s composed innings, along with Axar Patel’s all-round performance, helped India begin the ODI series on a winning note and highlighted the depth in the team’s middle order.