There could be no other moment M Sundar – Washington’s father – would’ve traded for his son’s debut, as the 21-year-old went on to play a key role in India’s historic win over Australia at the Gabba. Being a celebrator of the game himself, senior Sundar in an interview said he is sure Washington would issue his name in the legend’s diary some day.

Coming in at 186/6 on debut, with the steams of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc running at him, Sundar defied the pressure and managed to score his maiden half century in the first innings of the fourth Test. Scoring 62 runs alongside Shardul Thakur (67 runs off 115 balls), Sundar laid down the platform for the series win. In the meantime he also became the second Indian player to score a half century on debut and take three-plus wickets in his debut bowling innings after Dattu Phadkar (51 & 3/14 vs Aus, SCG, 1947/48).

However, Washington Sundar’s father is more of a fan of the all-rounder’s batting. While talking to NDTV, he even went on to say that Junior Sundar can ace the opening spot. Washington scored a quickfire 22 off 29 balls in the second innings stitching a vital partnership with Rishabh Pant to put India within touching distance of a win.

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“So proud of Washington, (Ravichandran) Ashwin, T Natarajan and Team India. Washington is a natural opening batsman, and he made use of the opportunity that he got. This performance is special. Washington will become a legend. He has the skill, dedication, hard work and discipline. I hope god will give him a long innings in the Indian team,” M Sundar told NDTV.

Sundar was only included in the side after Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja had to take a game off owing to injuries.

Sundar’s sister, Shylaja echoed her father’s voice saying she is a fan of Washington’s batting.

“We have always enjoyed playing together from childhood. I enjoy Washington’s batting more than his bowling. In one game we saw two different styles of his batting,” she said.

The 21-year-old’s mother also shared the hardships Sundar had to go through to make it big in such a competitive game. Washington Sundar has also been included in the Indian Test squad for the upcoming bilateral series against Joe Root’s England.