“One of the most underrated players of India” - Fans react as Washington Sundar scores 50 off 162 balls in BGT 2024-25 4th Test

Washington Sundar played a valuable role in helping India fight back as Nitish Kumar Reddy took the limelight on Day 3 of the fourth Test in Melbourne on Saturday, December 28. The left-handed batter showed tremendous grit and perseverance during his 50-run knock off 162 balls.

He shared a 126-run partnership with centurion Reddy for the eighth wicket to recover the tourists from 221/7 in reply to Australia’s first-innings score of 474. The 25-year-old was eventually caught in the slip off Nathan Lyon.

Sundar is known for playing handy knocks in the lower order. This was his second half-century against Australia Down Under, the previous being 62 in 2021. He has also scored 96* and 85* against England. His all-round game was one of the reasons behind his inclusion in the Boxing Day Test match as the Men in Blue left out specialist batter Shubman Gill.

Fans on X pointed out the significance of Sundar's half-century in the context of the Boxing Day Test match. One user wrote:

"Washington Sundar stood there for 162 deliveries and hit only one boundary. He seriously knows how to play test cricket and how to build an inning. Great support from the other end to Nitish Kumar Reddy."

Another user wrote:

"Bilkul pujara ki trh ban skate hai Washington Sundar (Washington Sundar can become just like Pujara)."

A third user added:

"One of the most underrated players of India. Well played!"

Here are a few more reactions:

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"I definitely consider myself a top-order batter" - When Washington Sundar slammed152 vs Delhi in 2024 Ranji Trophy

Washington Sundar, in a recent interview, said he considers himself a top-order batter following his 152 at No. 3 for Tamil Nadu against Delhi in the Ranji Trophy. He said (via ESPNcricinfo):

"I definitely consider myself a top-order batter. I'm very happy with the kind of opportunity I got, to bat at No. 3. For me, one thing is very important - I need to be able to do whatever the team demands. It is a team game. That is what I always think about. Hopefully, I can deliver such knocks consistently."

However, Sundar is likely to get an opportunity to play in the top order due to specialist batters in the Indian lineup, particularly in Tests.

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