(Source X)
Harsha Bhogle, the cricket commentator and expert, subtly hinted at Sunrisers Hyderabad’s decision-making regarding Washington Sundar’s limited opportunities in the IPL 2024 season.
Despite Sundar’s standout performance in the recent series against Zimbabwe, where he claimed 8 wickets with remarkable economy, he found himself featuring in only two matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad. In those matches, Sundar managed just one wicket with an economy rate that was significantly higher than his performance in the international series.
Harsha Bhogle subtly critiques Sunrisers Hyderabad
Harsha Bhogle extended his congratulations to Washington Sundar for clinching the Player of the Series award and expressed his wish that Sundar finds an IPL franchise where he can secure more playing opportunities.
“Delighted to see that @Sundarwashi5 was Player of the Series. He has so much to contribute to Indian white-ball cricket. I hope he finds an IPL team that gives him more opportunities,” Sundar posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Washington Sundar has been a key figure in India’s white-ball plans, often viewed as a successor to Ravichandran Ashwin in limited-overs cricket. However, his progress has been hindered by unfortunate injuries at crucial junctures of his career.
Having featured in 48 T20Is for India, Sundar has amassed 42 wickets at an impressive average of 25.26. Known for his ability to bowl in challenging phases of the game, particularly in the powerplay overs, he maintains a commendable economy rate of 6.95. Additionally, Sundar possesses batting skills, though opportunities to showcase them have been limited thus far.
Washington Sundar has not been a regular fixture in the Playing XI of Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Despite being a versatile allrounder capable of making significant contributions with bat and ball, Washington Sundar has not secured a regular spot in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Playing XI. Since joining the franchise in 2022, he has appeared in just nine matches over the past two seasons, often utilized as an impact player in the IPL.
However, Sundar’s limited opportunities in the IPL have not shaken the selectors’ confidence in him, evidenced by his recent standout performance in India’s tour of Zimbabwe, where he earned the Player of the Series accolade.
In his IPL career spanning 60 matches, Sundar has taken 37 wickets at an average of 35.81 and an economy rate of 7.54. Renowned for his ability to control the run rate with his accurate bowling, he has also contributed 378 runs with a top score of 40.
With India gearing up for their next T20I series in Sri Lanka, Sundar has presented a compelling case to the selectors following his impressive displays against Zimbabwe. His skill set, particularly effective on spin-friendly surfaces, could prove invaluable to India’s campaign.
