Washington Sundar, 23-year-old offspin all-rounder for India and, believes that his stint with England’s county division team, Lancashire earlier this year helped him develop a solid understanding of himself and his game. Sundar is back in the T20I picture for the three-match T20I series against New Zealand starting from this friday.
Washington represented Lancashire in two County Championship games early this year and was instrumental in the victory over Northamptonshire by taking 5/76 in the first innings and smashing an unbeaten 34 in the team’s successful 278 run chase.
Additionally, he participated in three games of the Royal London One-day Cup, scoring 30 runs in two innings and taking three wickets. He was forced to leave Lancashire after diving on the pitch and landing heavily on his left shoulder on August 10 against Worcestershire.
That injury forced him to pull out of India’s three-match ODI series in Zimbabwe and spend time at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) to recover from the injury. Washington would then be back in India’s ODI side for series against South Africa, playing in victories at Ranchi and New Delhi, followed by playing for Tamil Nadu in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
“I spent a lot of time at the NCA, as I worked on my shoulder after I injured it playing for Lancashire, where the stint was amazing. I worked on my body and skills as well. Playing at Lancashire gave me a lot of experience and made me understand about myself and my game as well. So, it was a great couple of months over there. Right now, I am very excited for this series,” said Washington to broadcasters on the sidelines of rain causing a delay in the start of the first T20I.
While the rest of the Indian cricketers indulged in a session of indoor football, Washington chose to stay away from it. Asked about the same, he explained, “It was a weird accident that happened five or six years ago. Before a very important tour, I was playing football, and broke my ankle. I told myself that I will never again play football in my life! There are so many things to do other than just play football. I could run, do some sprints, spend a lot of time doing some mobility, unlock my hips, shoulders and all that.”
Off the field, Washington has been struck by how he and his team-mates have been able to do whatever they want while exploring the scenic country. “New Zealand is probably one of the most favourite and beautiful countries for me. The people here are very friendly and sweet to be honest. It’s great for me to be here, especially making my comeback through this tour and very excited for it.”
“Ever since we came here, we have spent a lot of time walking on the streets, going to different restaurants nearby. The coffee here has been amazing. We get a lot of privacy over here and get to do whatever we want.”
(inputs from IANS)