Who Is Washington Sundar?

The name Washington Sundar might not always dominate headlines, but the Indian all-rounder just became one of the most talked-about players after the Manchester Test against England.

His composed innings, paired with Ravindra Jadeja, not only helped India survive a looming defeat but also added a bit of drama to the end of the match.

The now-viral handshake moment left fans both amused and curious. Let’s break down who Washington Sundar is, what happened during the draw, and why he’s trending.

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Key Takeaways

1. Strong performance under pressure: Sundar scored an unbeaten 108 in the final innings of the Manchester Test.

2. Handshake controversy made headlines: He declined a handshake from England’s Harry Brook to chase his century.

3. Reliable all-rounder for India: Known for calm under pressure and valuable contributions with both bat and ball.

Washington Sundar’s Cricketing Background

Washington Sundar has been part of the Indian cricket circuit for several years now. Born in Chennai in 1999, Sundar made his debut for India in 2017 in T20Is.

He is a left-handed batsman and a right-arm offbreak bowler, known more for his composure and versatility than flashy performances.

He rose to fame during India’s historic win in the Gabba Test against Australia in 2021, where he played a pivotal role with both the bat and ball.

Since then, he has been in and out of the national team due to injuries and team combinations, but he has always shown potential whenever given a chance.

In Tests, Sundar has quietly built a decent record. He has a knack for soaking up pressure and anchoring the innings when needed.

His solid technique and ability to rotate strike make him a valuable middle or lower-order batter. On the bowling side, he brings variation with his off-spin, especially useful in conditions that offer grip.

With each appearance, he continues to demonstrate why he’s a dependable all-rounder, and his latest knock in Manchester only solidifies that reputation.

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What Happened During the India vs England Test Draw?

The fifth Test between India and England in Manchester was filled with drama, grit, and unexpected turns.

India was in deep trouble early in the second innings, having lost two wickets with zero runs on the board.

But the team turned it around thanks to strong partnerships, first between KL Rahul and Shubman Gill, and then between Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar.

The defining moment came in the final hours of play. England captain Ben Stokes, likely trying to protect his exhausted bowling unit, offered a handshake to Jadeja and Sundar around the 139th over to signal a draw. However, both batters, sitting close to their personal milestones, chose to ignore the gesture.

Then came another awkward moment. After Jadeja smashed a six to reach his century, Harry Brook walked up to Sundar to shake hands.

But Sundar, still chasing his hundred, coldly declined and celebrated with Jadeja instead. Only after Sundar reached 108 not out a couple of overs later did the teams officially agree to a draw.

While the game itself was a display of grit and recovery, the handshake snub drew mixed reactions online.

Some fans applauded the batters for sticking to their goals, while others felt it was against the spirit of the game.

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Verifying His Role in India’s Test Plans

With his performance in Manchester, Washington Sundar may have just cemented his place in India’s future Test plans.

Until now, Sundar was often seen as a backup option, a reliable cricketer but not necessarily a first-choice pick. This could change if he continues to perform under pressure the way he did against England.

India has been searching for dependable lower-order batters who can also bowl economically. Sundar fits that bill.

His calm approach to innings, especially when wickets are falling around him, brings stability to the team.

Add to that his bowling control and ability to bowl long spells, and you have an ideal all-rounder for Test conditions.

This performance also sends a message about his temperament. Choosing to delay the handshake for a personal milestone may not sit well with everyone, but it showed his hunger and determination. Whether that was the right call or not is debatable, but it certainly got people talking.

India now heads to The Oval for the series decider, and all eyes will be on whether Sundar can replicate or even build on this memorable innings.

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Conclusion

Washington Sundar may not always be in the spotlight, but his latest Test performance proves he can rise to the occasion. His century under pressure, paired with Jadeja’s resolve, helped India avoid a certain defeat.

The post-match handshake drama only added to the story, but it doesn’t overshadow the grit he showed on the field.

As India looks ahead to The Oval, Sundar has not only won admiration but also possibly a firm spot in the playing eleven.

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FAQ

What is Washington Sundar known for?

He is known for his calm presence under pressure and his ability to contribute both as a batsman and a bowler.

Why did Washington Sundar reject the handshake?

He was close to scoring a century and wanted to reach the milestone before ending the match.

What is his highest Test score?

As of the Manchester Test in July 2025, his highest Test score is 108 not out.

Has Sundar played in the IPL?

Yes, he has played in several IPL seasons, mainly as a bowling all-rounder.

Will he play in the next Test match?

While final selections are not confirmed, his recent performance makes a strong case for his inclusion in the next match at The Oval.

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