Sundar comes of age

Replacing the well-known Ashwin in the Pune franchisee, Washington’s fullerthan-good length and straight lines meant the batsmen were not able to attack either side of the wicket with any conviction. His quick pace didn’t let them get under deliveries either. The Chennai spinner finished with 3 for 16 from four overs and won the Man-of-the-Match award in Mumbai. 

“It’s very heartening for me to do well against such a big team on such a big stage in front of a packed crowd,” said Washington Sundar. “This is for my parents, their prayers are the reason I did this. Keeping it simple works for me. Right now, I’m not open to being experimental. I just go out there and I play to my strengths. Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni) has helped me a lot too,” said Sundar.

Sundar thanked Pune skipper Steve Smith for giving him an opportunity to play in almost all matches. “Thanks to Smith for being supporting. Giving me an opportunity to play 10 matches is a huge think, especially as an off-spinner. I don’t think many captains would be willing to do that,” Sundar said. 

The Chennai tweaker said he loves bowling in the first six overs. “I love that challenge, especially when there are only two fielders out near the ropes. I believe in my strengths and hopefully I can continue the good work in Hyderabad and gift my team the IPL trophy,” he added.

Sundar accounted for Mumbai’s big fish Rohit Sharma, Ambati Rayudu and Kieron Pollard with the latter two offering catches to Smith at short mid-wicket. “It feels very good to take wickets of such key players. The stage was big and it was an important game. It cannot get better. 

“On the catches, it was a smart move by Smith. A lot of fielders would have been a little backward but Smith positioned himself for the catch and it was excellent thinking from the captain,” Sundar explained.