Washington Sundar: I will accept the challenge just like our coach Ravi sir did during his playing days

India offie Washington Sundar keen to emulate head coach Shastri who began his career as a spinner before graduating to Test opener

Coach Ravi Shastri’s dressing room stories of grit and determination work as a tonic for young Washington Sundar, who is ready for any challenge even if it means opening the batting for India in Test matches. Washington, 21, was a specialist top-order batsman during his India U-19 days but then honed his off-spin to such an extent that he’s now an automatic choice in India’s T20I team.

Washington Sundar on coach Ravi Shastri

One of the heroes of India’s epic triumph in Brisbane, which gave them an epic four-match Test series win against Australia, Washington spoke about the head coach’s influence on him. “It will be a blessing for me if I ever get an opportunity to open the batting for India in Tests. I will accept the challenge just like our coach Ravi sir did during his playing days,” Washington said from his Chennai residence.

He scored 62 in the first innings at the Gabba to keep India in the match and then a quick 22, including a hooked six off Pat Cummins, to play a part in the finishing act, apart from a match-haul of four wickets. “Ravi sir tells us inspiring stories from his playing days. Like how he made his debut as a specialist spinner, got four wickets and batted at No. 10 against New Zealand on debut. And how from there, he became a Test opener. I’d love to open the batting in Tests like him,” said Washington, who has a decent first-class batting average of 32-plus.

For a youngster coming into the Test side, he said that there’s no need to look beyond the Indian dressing room for inspiration. “As a youngster, when I look up for inspiration and motivation, I find so many role models in that dressing room. There is Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, R Ashwin, who have been such great performers. You look up to these players and they are always ready to guide you,” said the tall off-spinner.

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