Washington Sundar: Shardul and my partnership was very very crucial for the team

Washington Sundar had a dream Test debut in Brisbane, after having initially been inducted to the side as a net bowler, and subsequently, he made everyone sit up and take notice with his all-round display that broke Australia’s back.

First, he dismissed three Aussie batsmen along the way to have an upper hand in the game and stitched a partnership for life with Shardul Thakur that protected the bowlers in the second dig. He is understandably excited for the way his career has shaped thus far and raved that their partnership was extremely crucial from the team’s perspective.

“Definitely, there was a lot of pressure from the bowlers but I didn’t want to put too much pressure on myself. I just wanted to enjoy the stage and do the things I was supposed to do, not really worry about too many things. Shardul batted really well and we complemented each other very well. And the way he played those shots,” Washington Sundar told Sports Today.

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“Runs kept coming after quite some time and it was happening really well at Gabba and most of all we enjoyed batting against a top-quality side coming really hard at us. They knew if they could break that one partnership they would get the upper hand. So, yeah, that partnership was very very crucial for the team.”

Washington proud of his contribution

Before making his Test debut, Sundar hadn’t even played first-class cricket for over three years and there should’ve been some jitters when he had to play for the Indian side. But there were no nerves as the game progressed and Sundar made a telling contribution.

“It was a great debut for me, it was actually a dream game for all of us. Being a part of that game, playing at Gabba. There were a lot of moments in the game that will forever be unforgettable for me, for a lot of other players in the team. So, yes, I think the most important factor was the fact that we won the game.

“Especially beating Australia at the Gabba was amazing and being able to chase 300 on the 4th Day was amazing. And the way we’ve been celebrating the victory, I’ve felt so glad to have been part of the Indian team at Gabba,” Sundar added.