Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar made an immediate impression on his comeback to the international circuit after a five-month absence. The 22-year-old’s bat was not required in the series opener against the West Indies in Ahmedabad, but he bowled remarkably effectively in his nine overs on Sunday.

Sundar went on to snare three wickets and conceded only 30 runs after generating terrific bounce and spin from the opening delivery. His efforts, which included the twin scalps (Brandon King and Darren Bravo) in the same over, gave India the edge, which the visitors were unable to recover from.

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India eventually bowled out the West Indies for 176, a score that the hosts chased down in 28 overs for the cost of four wickets.

Sundar was added into the assault during the powerplay overs as King and Bravo attempted to rebalance things after losing Shai Hope to Mohammed Siraj early in the game. The bowler didn’t waste any time in striking twice against the Windies in his third over.

When asked about being handed the ball during the powerplay, the 22-year-old attributed it to his experience playing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, which he says has shaped him to bowl in various situations during the game.

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“That’s something I’ve been doing for a few years now.” I now like bowling in the powerplay. Even playing Vijay Hazare helped me bowl in different scenarios during the game.”

“I bowled a lot with the fresh ball even there. All of those experiences have undoubtedly been beneficial,” Sundar said during the post-match press conference.

Sundar was an important component in the Tamil Nadu team, which went on to win the most recent domestic 50-over championship. He finished the season as one of the top three wicket-takers, with 16 scalps from eight matches.

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Meanwhile, Yuzvendra Chahal, who was awarded player of the match for his four-wicket haul in the first ODI, congratulated Sundar on his outstanding performance.

“Washi struck twice in an over, so we knew they were under pressure.” “My role was to keep the pressure going,” the spinner remarked at the post-match presentation ceremony.