He’s not the ultimate power hitter. But considering the Indian team’s requirements for next year’s World Cup, Washington Sundar is “specifically” working on how to hit the ball long and hard. Known for relying more on timing and placement, Washington has also played a pair of blinders, the most recent in New Zealand’s tour. And who can forget his 14-ball 40 against Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, representing Sunrisers Hyderabad. “That’s the role I’ve been given over the years. That’s what that specific job requires, and I work that way very specifically.
“Whatever positions demand of me, I’ve practiced that way. I’ve worked in those specific ways,” Washington said against Bangladesh on the eve of the third ODI.
Washington is happy that his hard work is paying off.
“I’m glad all the hard work paid off over the past few months. Hopefully I’ll continue to do really well in the months and years to come.” The all-rounder, who has taken five wickets in the two previous matches of the series that India has already lost, wants to be the player for all situations and positions.
“It was a great opportunity for me in the last game. With the World Cup next year, I want to be the player who can play in any situation, in any kind of combination and wherever the team needs it. To win games, wherever they also be.” ask me to play, i will play. That’s the kind of player I want to be.
“I want to be able to contribute to my potential, contribute in a way that the team wins the most games and eventually become very, very successful in the World Cup. I just want to be in the present and keep doing good, getting better in every aspect of the game.” India lost both their matches in Bangladesh from winning positions, with the hosts on 136 for nine in a chase of 187 in the opener and then reduced to 69 for six before dropping off the hook to make 271 for seven in the second match.
“To be honest, we had our chances in both games, the first game, they needed about 50 runs to win by one wicket and we had a good chance. And even the last game we had a good chance.
“In the first innings they were 70 for six and with the way Shreyas and Axar batted we went on to win quite convincingly and Rohit bhai, the kind of knock he played was unreal.
“It was just about winning those critical moments, probably doing one or two things better here and there. We’ll try to finish the one-day series on a high.” Washington was all praise for the Bangladesh side.
“Bangladesh are a high quality team, especially at home. I think they only lost one series at home, against England. They had a good run in the T20 World Cup.” The struggling and depleted Indian team will be determined to avoid the shame of a clean sweep against Bangladesh in the final ODI of the three-match series here on Saturday.
“Every game is an opportunity for us to keep improving, to get the rhythm right and of course to perform really well as a team. There won’t be many games in the next 10 months, so every game is very important for us, we want to play a very good brand of cricket no matter who we play against.
“Our job is to tap into our potential and keep getting better when we need to. That’s the kind of mindset we’re in and we’ll continue to look to improve,” Washington said.
Washington endured a spate of injuries before forcing his way back into the Indian team.
“Definitely quite disappointing with the few injuries I’ve had in the past. I just want to live in the present, get opportunities, really want to perform and consistently win games for India. It will be very good for me that way.” and we as a team will also be very consistent.” When asked about getting advice from head coach Rahul Dravid, he said: “He has so much experience, especially at this level, a one-day format, he’s played so many games. So obviously he had a lot of insights to share and any conversation with him is very valuable.”
(This story has not been edited by DailyExpertNews staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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