IND vs NZ: Washington Sundar splendid show positions him as a key player for India

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Was it all pre-planned? Washington Sundar was scheduled for a commercial shoot when he was told to play the Ranji Trophy game for Tamil Nadu against Delhi at the Ferozeshah Kotla, wherein, he scored a big hundred.

Again when he was quickly inducted into the second Test match against New Zealand, he didn't have much of a clue about his playing chances. But when he got one, he was at it.

With his slider deliveries that move away from the right-handed batters and occasionally off-spin, Sundar was actually most beautiful to watch, almost unplayable and ran through the New Zealand batting in no time.

Sundar's readiness and poise were on full display when he stepped up as a spinner in the presence of seasoned veterans like R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. In an environment where the pressure to perform was immense, Sundar's ability to deliver was a testament to his maturity and skill.

Kuldeep Yadav, who might have been a contender, was unfortunately sidelined due to a dip in form, paving the way for Washington Sundar to shine in the Pune Test. What followed became a memorable chapter in Indian cricket.

Sundar's contribution with the ball, particularly his control and variation, added depth to India's bowling attack. His performance solidified his position as a dependable all-rounder, and it is a turning point in his career, etching his name into the history of Indian cricket with both his bowling prowess and adaptability under pressure.

No, he didn't have to turn the ball viciously. A subtle variation followed by nagging line and length was good enough to push the Kiwis on the back foot. For 'Washy', as he is popularly known, it was like a fairytale. Sundar's strong performances with the bat in the Ranji Trophy undoubtedly boosted his confidence as a bowler. Scoring those crucial runs in domestic cricket allowed him to relax and play with greater freedom, which in turn reflected in his bowling.

This dual skill set, honed through the grind of domestic cricket, prepared him to handle the pressures of international matches with poise. It's precisely for this reason that the BCCI consistently emphasizes the importance of playing domestic cricket. It not only provides players with valuable match practice but also strengthens their mental toughness.

The experience gained in high-pressure domestic tournaments like the Ranji Trophy equips players with the composure and confidence needed to perform on the international stage, making it an essential part of their growth. Sundar's case is a prime example of how domestic success can translate into international readiness.

Indeed, Sundar's height and ability to extract bounce, especially on fast pitches, give him a significant edge as a spinner. It provides an extra dimension to his spin bowling. His impressive performance during the last Australia tour showcased not only his bowling skill but also his temperament, making him a versatile option for all formats of the game.

Securing a five-wicket haul at home may be a common feat for spinners, but the way Sundar ran through the opposition lineup, especially with his calm demeanour and subtle variations, makes his efforts truly special.

His ability to break partnerships and deliver in crunch situations is a rare quality, and he demonstrated this with ease, solidifying his case as a player who is ready for greater responsibilities across formats. Washy seems to thrive under pressure, and his all-round skillset positions him as a key player in India's future plans.