ENG vs IND 2025: Washington Sundar can be a genuine all-rounder for years, says Ravi Shastri

Former Indian cricketer Ravi Shastri has backed Washington Sundar to cement his place as a long-term all-rounder in India’s Test setup. Sundar impressed in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, playing a couple of crucial innings and claiming four key wickets in England's second innings at Lord’s.

Shastri praised Sundar’s all-round abilities and expressed confidence in his potential to thrive in the longest format of the game. Sundar had a memorable debut at the Gabba in 2021 during India’s tour of Australia, where his vital knock of 62 played a pivotal role in India’s series-clinching win.

“I always loved Washington. When I saw him on day one, I said he’s the man. And he can be a genuine all-rounder for many, many years for India,” Shastri said on The ICC Review.

Shastri acknowledged that opportunities in red-ball cricket have been limited for Sundar and emphasised that this needs to change. He highlighted Sundar’s impressive performance during New Zealand’s 2024 tour of India, where the all-rounder emerged as the joint leading wicket-taker, claiming 16 wickets in just four innings.

“He again is just 25 years of age. I think he should have played a lot more Test cricket. He can be lethal in India on pitches where the ball turns, as New Zealand found out when they played against India. He out-bowled some of the senior spinners. He bowled that well, and he can bat,” Shastri noted.

Sundar has showcased excellent technical proficiency in the longest format. Despite batting at No. 7 or lower in ten of his 11 Test appearances, he holds a batting average of 38.92, including four half-centuries. In the ongoing series against England, he has scored 77 runs and taken five wickets.

India are set to face England in the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, starting July 23. Trailing 1-2 in the five-match series, the visitors will look to level the contest and stay in contention for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.