Washington Sundar's IPL Transformation: Embracing New Challenges
When Washington Sundar made his IPL debut in 2017 as a 17-year-old replacement for R Ashwin at Pune Supergiants, he immediately captured attention with his exceptional bowling skills. Known affectionately as 'Washy', he delivered off-spin during the Powerplay, securing eight wickets and maintaining an impressive economy rate of 6.61. His contributions were pivotal in helping PSG reach the final that season, showcasing his early promise as a dynamic all-rounder.
The Shift in Bowling Role Post-Impact Player Rule
Since that breakout year, particularly after the introduction of the 'Impact Player' rule, Washington's role as a bowler in the IPL has significantly diminished. In the current season with Gujarat Titans, he has bowled only four overs across four games, a stark contrast to his earlier prominence. Despite this reduction, the 26-year-old remains unfazed, expressing a clear desire to bowl more, especially in the Powerplay where only two fielders are allowed outside the ring.
"I always enjoy the challenge of bowling in the Powerplay. It is incredibly exciting to bowl in that phase, and if I get the chance, I'd love to do it," Washington told TOI. He acknowledges that batters will aggressively target him, but with an overall IPL economy rate of 7.73, he appears confident and ready for any opportunity. "Wherever the team wants me to bowl, I'm ready. It's on them how they want to use me," he added, highlighting his team-first attitude.
Navigating the Impact of the 'Impact Player' Rule
The 'Impact Player' rule has posed challenges for all-rounders like Washington, as teams increasingly opt for specialist players. He commented on this dynamic, stating, "It is a rule which basically allows teams to play with 12 players, and they will use it as per their convenience. It is what it is." This shift has forced him to adapt, focusing more on his batting to maintain his value in the squad.
Finding Stability in Batting Up the Order
Over the past few seasons, Washington has frequently been shuffled up and down the batting order, which hindered his consistency. With a total of 609 runs over nine IPL seasons, his batting output has not fully reflected his potential. However, this year, the Gujarat Titans management has provided him with a stable position in the top four, allowing him to settle and thrive.
"It is a great opportunity batting up the order, and I'm enjoying the responsibility that comes attached to it. I'll try to make the most of it," he said. This change has already yielded positive results, as he recorded his highest IPL score of 55 against Delhi Capitals, demonstrating his ability to hit big shots and contribute significantly with the bat.
Enhancing Skills and Learning from Legends
To excel in the T20 format, Washington has focused on improving his explosive hitting. "You need to be explosive in this format. I've worked on my range hitting, hit a lot of sixes in practice, which should stand me in good stead," he explained. Additionally, he is benefiting from guidance by legendary cricketer Matthew Hayden, who has joined the coaching setup.
"It's been really fruitful. He tells us about his own experiences and how to deal with difficult situations he may have faced as a player. I can't divulge everything in public, but things have worked out really well," Washington shared, emphasizing the value of learning from experienced mentors.
As the IPL season progresses, Washington Sundar continues to evolve, balancing his roles and striving to make impactful contributions for Gujarat Titans in this dynamic cricketing landscape.
