“You Have To Take These Things In Your Stride”- Zaheer Khan Backs Washington Sundar After 3rd T20I

Former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan advised Washington Sundar to stay composed amid the uncertainty of being in and out of the team following his match-winning display in the third T20I against Australia in Hobart on November 2. The 26-year-old had missed the first two matches of the series.

Although included in the playing XI for the third game, Sundar wasn’t handed the ball as Australia consistently had two right-handers at the crease. Nonetheless, the Tamil Nadu all-rounder made his mark with the bat. Coming in when India were struggling at 111/4 in the 12th over while chasing 187, he smashed an unbeaten 49 off 23 balls to seal India’s five-wicket win.

Reflecting on Sundar’s fluctuating role in the side and his composure under pressure, Zaheer Khan told Cricbuzz:

“Make use of the opportunities. Some changes are made tactically as well so an off-spinner in T20s is always finding it challenging as it depends on the combination and the opposition for figuring out your role. So you have to take these things in your stride and figure out how to approach it rather than thinking about the place in the side which can build frustration in you.”

“He Gets Better With Every Opportunity”- Former Pacer Lauds Washington Sundar’s Consistency

The former fast bowler praised Washington Sundar for making the most of the chances he’s been given, saying:

“Washington Sundar is someone who is managing it beautifully. Every opportunity he has got, he just gets better and better. Eventually if you are achieving that consistency then the team management will also have confidence with this kind of a combination and create space for the guy who’s been so consistent to reward him. This is the only way for anyone who’s in and out of the team.”

Sundar’s crucial knock enabled India to draw level in the five-match T20I series at 1-1 after three games, with one ending in no result.