Washington Sundar Biography: Age, Wife, Career, Net Worth, Stats & More

Early Life and Background

Washington Sundar was born on October 5, 1999, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Coming from a humble background, he was introduced to cricket at a young age by his father, M. Sundar, who was a passionate club-level cricketer. Interestingly, Washington Sundar was named after his father’s mentor, P.D. Washington, who had supported his father in playing cricket. This unique name later became one of the most recognizable in Indian cricket.

Sundar’s journey in cricket began at the grassroots level, where he showcased his talent early on. He was initially trained as a batsman, but as he grew older, his all-round abilities started to shine. His interest in off-spin bowling developed over time, making him a complete package. He honed his skills at the SRF Cricket Academy in Chennai, receiving coaching from seasoned mentors who refined his game.

Washington Sundar Wiki Bio

Domestic Cricket Career

Washington Sundar made his mark in domestic cricket when he debuted for Tamil Nadu in the 2016-17 Ranji Trophy as a teenager. Though he started primarily as a batsman, his bowling skills were soon recognized, and he began contributing as an off-spinner. His ability to contain runs and pick up crucial wickets made him a valuable asset for his team. In the 2017 Vijay Hazare Trophy, Sundar played an instrumental role in Tamil Nadu’s victory, showcasing his batting and bowling prowess.

One of his standout performances was a match-winning 159-run partnership in the final, highlighting his ability to play under pressure. He continued to shine in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he played a crucial role in helping Tamil Nadu clinch the title. His consistent performances in domestic cricket earned him recognition, and it wasn’t long before the IPL franchises took notice.

IPL Journey and Success

Washington Sundar’s big break came in IPL 2017, when he was picked by Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) as a replacement for Ravichandran Ashwin. Despite being a young and relatively unknown player, Sundar impressed everyone with his controlled off-spin bowling. He finished the season with an outstanding economy rate of 6.16, one of the best among bowlers that season. His impressive performances helped RPS reach the final, where he delivered a fantastic spell of 3/16 in the crucial playoff match against Mumbai Indians. His ability to bowl in the powerplay and restrict big hitters set him apart.

After his breakthrough season, he was signed by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in IPL 2018, where he became a regular feature in their playing XI. Over the years, he developed a reputation for being one of the most economical bowlers in the powerplay overs. In IPL 2022, he was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), where he continued to showcase his all-round abilities. His contributions with both bat and ball made him one of the most sought-after young talents in the IPL.

International Debut and Career

ODI Debut and Performance

Washington Sundar made his ODI debut for India on December 13, 2017, against Sri Lanka. Though he was primarily seen as a bowler, he showcased his all-round abilities by contributing with the bat in lower-order positions. Over the years, he has become a reliable option for India in 50-over cricket, especially when it comes to controlling the middle overs with his off-spin bowling. His ability to adapt to different conditions and contribute in crunch situations has made him a key player in India’s white-ball setup.

T20I Career and Role in the Indian Team

His T20I debut came on December 24, 2017, against Sri Lanka. In the shortest format, Sundar has been particularly effective, especially in the powerplay overs, where he bowls with great accuracy and economy. His disciplined bowling has helped India control the flow of runs in crucial moments. He became the youngest Indian cricketer to play a T20I match at just 18 years and 80 days. Sundar’s performances in T20 cricket have earned him a reputation as a dependable bowler, particularly in spin-friendly conditions.

Test Debut and Heroics in Australia

Washington Sundar’s Test debut came in the famous Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia on January 15, 2021, at The Gabba, Brisbane. India was plagued with injuries, and Sundar was called up as an emergency replacement. Despite being a last-minute inclusion, he delivered a stunning performance. In his debut innings, he scored 62 runs, forming a crucial partnership with Shardul Thakur, which helped India recover from a difficult position.

With the ball, he dismissed key players, including Steve Smith, and finished with 3 wickets in the match. His contributions were instrumental in India’s historic Test victory at The Gabba, helping India win the series 2-1 against Australia. This performance made him an overnight sensation and earned him a permanent place in India’s Test squad.

Notable Achievements and Records

Playing Style and Strengths

Washington Sundar is known for his tight bowling in powerplay overs, a skill that makes him extremely valuable in limited-overs cricket. His ability to contain runs and pick crucial wickets without conceding too many boundaries is a rare quality. As a batsman, he is highly versatile, capable of playing aggressive shots when needed and stabilizing innings under pressure. His batting performances in Tests and ODIs have proven that he is more than just a bowler.

Strengths

• Economical Bowling in Powerplay – One of the few spinners who can successfully bowl in the first six overs.
• Handy Lower-Order Batsman – Capable of playing important knocks under pressure.
• Calm and Composed – Shows great temperament in high-pressure situations.
• Multi-Format Player – Effective in all three formats of the game.

Areas for Improvement

• Needs to convert good starts into bigger scores more consistently.
• Should work on enhancing his fitness to prevent injuries.

Personal Life and Interests

Washington Sundar comes from a supportive family. His father, M. Sundar, played club cricket, while his mother, Sumathi Sundar, has always been his biggest cheerleader. His sister, Shardha Sundar, is also an aspiring cricketer. Off the field, he enjoys music and video games and spends time with family and close friends. Despite his fame, he remains grounded and humble, which adds to his charm.

Washington Sundar Wife

As of now, Washington Sundar is not married and has not publicly disclosed any details about his relationship status. The young Indian all-rounder is currently focused on his cricketing career, dedicating his time to improving his game and representing India at the highest level. While there have been occasional rumors about his personal life, Sundar has kept his private affairs away from the limelight. Fans eagerly await any updates about his future plans regarding marriage or relationships, but for now, he remains solely committed to cricket.

Washington Sundar Net Worth

As of 2024, Washington Sundar’s net worth is estimated to be around $3–5 million (₹25–40 crore). His primary sources of income include his salary from the BCCI, earnings from the Indian Premier League (IPL), and various brand endorsements. In the IPL 2024 season, he was retained by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for ₹8.75 crore, making him one of the most valuable young all-rounders in Indian cricket. Additionally, he earns from match fees, bonuses, and sponsorship deals with popular sports brands. With his growing stature in Indian cricket, his net worth is expected to rise significantly in the coming years.

Future Prospects

With age on his side, Washington Sundar is expected to become an integral part of Indian cricket in the coming years. He is likely to be a key player in India’s T20 World Cup and ODI World Cup squads, and his Test cricket potential could also see him become a regular in the red-ball format. If he continues to work on his skills and stays injury-free, he has the potential to be one of India’s finest all-rounders in modern cricket.

Conclusion

Washington Sundar has already achieved remarkable feats in his young career. His ability to perform under pressure, combined with his talent in both batting and bowling, makes him a rare and valuable asset for Indian cricket. If he continues to develop his game, he will undoubtedly carve out a legendary career for himself in the years to come.

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