Tamil Nadu's Washington Sundar to replace Ravi Ashwin in Supergiant squad

Tamil Nadu’s Washington Sundar will replace India’s ace spinner Ravi Aswhin in the Rising Pune Supergiant squad for the Indian Premier League. Aswhin, who had a brilliant 2016-17 season with both bat and ball, is suffering from a sports hernia and has been sidelined for the IPL this year. The young all-rounder will hence get an opportunity to fill the shoes of one of the world’s best spinners.

The 17-year-old lad from Chennai was called in for a trial session with the Supergiant team. He contested against J&K’s Parvez Rasool for a place in the Pune franchise. Washington was up against the likes of Steve Smith and Ben Stokes in the nets. The youngster didn’t fail to impress the team as he went on to ‘bowl’ Smith out during a practice session, and was also ‘tidy’ against big-hitting Stokes.

“I’m feeling really excited to see this new world [IPL]. Ashwin is a legend and getting a chance to be part of the team in place of him is a big thing for me. After getting this opportunity, I have gained more belief in my hard work,” Washington told the Times of India on Wednesday.

“There wasn’t much pressure. I have been bowling really well and I knew I would be able to do well in the trial. I was up against Stokes and Smith. I got Smith bowled. Though it was in a practice session, I felt good to have dismissed a legend like him. I also managed to keep things tidy against Stokes who was looking to be at his aggressive best. Those things gave me confidence,” he added.

The tall right-arm spinner also received a word of appreciation from former India captain MS Dhoni. Sundar, who had the opportunity to bowl to his role model in the nets, shared, “I bowled to Dhoni for a long time yesterday in the nets. He gave me advice and appreciated me a few times.”

Washington Sundar was impressive in the domestic season, having picked up 7 wickets in his List A career in 9 matches. He has maintained a commendable economy rate of 3.93 as well. The offie expressed his gratitude towards Tamil Nadu coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar, who’s also involved with the Rising Pune Supergiant setup. “Big thanks to him. He trusted my abilities as an all-rounder,” added Washington.

The IPL is already underway, and the Supergiant will take on two-time champions Mumbai Indians today in their first game at the MCA Stadium in Pune.