- August 4, 2025
Some innings build gradually. Some batters explode. Washington Sundar’s fifty on Day 3 of the 5th Test against England? That was an explosion. Coming in to bat when India was nine down, the soft-spoken all-rounder went into beast mode and went ballistic with the bat, hitting four sixes and four fours en route to a quickfire 50, off 46 balls. It was not only thrilling, it was tactical, it was clutch, and dare we say, it was match-defining.
When Timing Meets Temperament: Irfan Pathan’s Take
The moment Sundar shifted gears from 17 to 50 in just 22 balls, he flipped the pressure script back onto England.
According to Irfan, it wasn’t just about hitting boundaries—it was about reading the moment. With only Prasidh Krishna left, Sundar had a narrow window to maximize. He capitalized on England’s short-ball tactics, backing himself to go aerial with confidence. That assertiveness, as Irfan put it, wasn’t just bold—it was smart. When batting with the tail, it’s not about survival; it’s about disruption. And Washington delivered just that.
Washi’s Magic Touch: Aakash Chopra on the Craft of Scoring Big with the Last Man In
Aakash Chopra highlighted something fascinating: the zero factor. India’s last-wicket partnership added 39 runs. Sundar scored all of them. Prasidh Krishna didn’t even rotate the strike.
That’s a statistical oddity and a masterclass in solo problem-solving under pressure. Chopra called it a rare combination of composure and calculated aggression, especially with fielders crowding and pressure building. Sundar didn’t just swing blindly—he picked his moments, nailed his pull shots, and even managed to farm the strike perfectly. That’s not luck—it’s cricketing IQ.
Sundar Unchained: Saba Karim on the ‘New’ Washington
Let’s face it—Washington Sundar isn’t typically the guy you expect to go full throttle with the bat. But Saba Karim believes we just saw a new version unlocked.
Karim noted that this wasn’t just power—it was confidence. From hitting short balls into the stands to dictating the tempo, Sundar showed that he’s not a lower-order stopgap. His six-hitting spree wasn’t reckless—it was controlled aggression, something India has long searched for in their all-rounders.
Karim’s key message? Stop batting him at No. 9. Give him space higher up the order. Because with the right intent, Sundar isn’t just capable—he’s dangerous.
All-Round Package: Dinesh Karthik Breaks It Down
Dinesh Karthik, who has seen Sundar’s rise up close, framed the knock within the context of his overall game. “He gives you something with the ball and bat,” Karthik said—and Day 3 was a perfect example of that balance tipping toward brilliance.
Karthik admired how Sundar didn’t rely on a single gear. While he’s often played the role of a grafter, this time he flipped the script and unleashed his inner finisher. The ability to adjust roles—not just stick to one mode—is what makes Sundar so valuable. According to DK, that’s the hallmark of a modern all-rounder: flexible, fearless, and effective.
“Fear of the Devil”: Navjot Sidhu on Sundar’s Statement Pull Shot
Sidhu called the innings a “fear of the devil” moment, zeroing in on the pull shot as a symbol of total dominance.
For Sidhu, the innings wasn’t just about runs—it was about a message. When you’re the last man standing and still hitting sixes like you own the pitch, it creates psychological pressure. England weren’t just chasing 374 anymore—they were chasing ghosts of an innings that ended in a blaze.
Sidhu, in true poetic style, said it best: “This shot is a symbol of dominance… a fear of the devil in the opposition.” And honestly, who can argue?
