Washington Sundar: The Rising Star of Indian Cricket

Washington Sundar: The Rising Star of Indian Cricket

Role: All-rounder (Left-hand Bat, Right-arm Off-break)

DOB: October 05, 1999

IPL Team (2026): Lucknow Super Giants

Auction Price (2026): ₹4.5 Crore

The Story of Washington Sundar: The Rising Star of Indian Cricket

Born in Chennai, Washington Sundar’s cricketing journey is as unique as his name. Named after a family friend who supported his father’s cricketing ambitions, Sundar was destined for the sport. His early days saw him honing his skills in the dusty maidans of Tamil Nadu, quickly gaining a reputation for his calm demeanor and astute off-spin. A natural talent, he broke into the Tamil Nadu senior team at a remarkably young age, showcasing a maturity beyond his years.

Sundar’s IPL breakthrough came in 2017, a twist of fate that saw him replace the injured R Ashwin for the Rising Pune Supergiant. It was a baptism by fire, but Sundar embraced the challenge, immediately impressing with his ability to bowl economically in the powerplay. His standout performance in the Qualifier 1 against Mumbai Indians, where he picked up 3 crucial wickets for just 16 runs, was a defining moment. He stifled a formidable MI batting line-up, proving his mettle on the big stage and helping RPS reach the final.

What sets Sundar apart is his dual threat. As a bowler, he’s a master of deception, relying on subtle variations in pace and flight rather than prodigious turn. His strength lies in his accuracy and ability to bowl tight lines, making him a nightmare for batsmen in the powerplay and middle overs. With the bat, he’s a clean striker, capable of accelerating the innings with powerful hits and playing crucial cameos down the order. His maiden IPL fifty (50* off 28 balls) against Rajasthan Royals in 2023 showcased his growing confidence and ability to anchor or finish an innings, hinting at the all-round potential that has long been touted.

Despite battling injuries that have occasionally hampered his consistency, Sundar’s talent remains undeniable. His calm presence under pressure, combined with his versatile skill set, makes him a valuable asset in any T20 setup. He’s not just a bowler who can bat; he’s a genuine all-rounder whose best years are still ahead, making him a fascinating prospect for both fans and strategic bettors.

IPL Journey: Team by Team

Washington Sundar’s IPL career has seen him don the jerseys of three different franchises, each stint adding layers to his evolving game:

• Rising Pune Supergiant (2017): Sundar’s IPL journey began with a bang in 2017. Picked as a replacement, he quickly became a vital cog for RPS, playing 11 matches and taking 8 wickets at an exceptional economy of 6.59. His performance in the playoffs, particularly his 3/16 against Mumbai Indians, was instrumental in RPS reaching the final. He was bought at his base price (likely ₹10 Lakh) as a replacement player.
• Royal Challengers Bangalore (2018-2021): Following RPS’s disbandment, RCB secured Sundar’s services in the 2018 mega-auction for a significant sum of ₹3.2 Crore. He spent four seasons with the Bengaluru franchise, primarily excelling as a powerplay bowler. While his batting opportunities were limited, he continued to be an economical option, especially in 2020 where he picked up 8 wickets with an economy of 6.96 across 15 games. His time at RCB solidified his reputation as a reliable T20 spinner.
• Sunrisers Hyderabad (2022-2023): The 2022 mega-auction saw Sundar become a hot commodity, with Sunrisers Hyderabad eventually winning a fierce bidding war to acquire him for a massive ₹8.75 Crore. This move highlighted his growing value as a genuine all-rounder. With SRH, he was given more responsibility with the bat, and he delivered a memorable 50* in 2023. However, injuries plagued his tenure, limiting his appearances and impacting his consistency, particularly in 2023 where he played only 7 matches.
• Lucknow Super Giants (2026): After a challenging period with injuries, Sundar was released by SRH. However, his proven track record and all-round potential ensured he remained on the radar. In the 2026 auction, Lucknow Super Giants invested ₹4.5 Crore in him, recognizing his ability to provide crucial overs in the powerplay and contribute valuable runs down the order, especially on pitches that offer a hint of assistance to spinners. This move signals a fresh start and a chance for Sundar to reclaim his consistent form.

What Makes Them Special: Betting Perspective

For bettors, Washington Sundar presents an intriguing profile with specific conditions and matchups where he truly shines:

• Powerplay Maestro: Sundar’s primary strength lies in his ability to bowl tight, economical overs in the powerplay. He’s excellent for “Under” bets on runs conceded in the first 6 overs, especially on pitches with a bit of grip or against aggressive opening batsmen who struggle against accurate off-spin. His economy rate often hovers below 7.5, making him a strong candidate for “Economical Bowler” props.
• Batting Potential (Lower Order): While not a top-order batsman, Sundar can be a dark horse for “Highest Six Hitter” or “Over/Under Runs” props when batting at 6 or 7. He has the ability to clear the ropes and accelerate quickly, particularly if he gets a few balls to settle. Look for him on smaller grounds or when chasing a high total where he’s forced to go big. His 50* in 2023 showed his capability.
• Injury Risk Factor: This is a crucial consideration. Sundar has a history of injuries (hand, hamstring, shoulder). Always check the latest team news for his fitness status. Betting on him when he’s just returning from injury might carry higher risk, as he might not be at peak performance immediately.
• Matchups: He thrives against left-handed batsmen, often taking the ball away from them. Consider betting on him for “Most Wickets” or “Player to Take a Wicket” props when the opposition has a strong left-handed contingent in their top order. Conversely, aggressive right-handers who can hit through the line might target him on flat tracks.
• Pitch Conditions: Sundar is most effective on pitches that offer a slight grip or turn, or even slow surfaces where his variations in pace become harder to pick. On flat, true batting surfaces, his wicket-taking ability can diminish, though his economy usually remains decent.
• Consistency Metrics: His bowling consistency in terms of economy is generally high, but his wicket-taking can be sporadic. For batting, he’s a high-impact, low-frequency contributor. Bet on his batting when the team needs quick runs or if the top order collapses, giving him more time at the crease.

Key Records & Milestones

• Youngest to take 3 wickets in an IPL playoff match: Achieved at 17 years and 225 days during Qualifier 1 of IPL 2017 (3/16 vs MI).
• Best Bowling Figures in an IPL Final by a spinner: His 3/16 in Qualifier 1 (not final, but a crucial playoff game) remains one of the most impactful spells by a young spinner in IPL history.
• Maiden IPL Fifty: Scored his first IPL half-century (50* off 28 balls) against Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2023, showcasing his batting prowess.
• Most Economical Bowler in Powerplay (2017): Finished the 2017 season with an exceptional powerplay economy rate, highlighting his early impact.
• One of the few Indian all-rounders with 30+ wickets and 300+ runs in IPL.

IPL Season Highlights

Washington Sundar has delivered several memorable performances throughout his IPL career:

• IPL 2017 (Rising Pune Supergiant): This was his breakout season. Beyond his 3/16 against Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 1, he consistently bowled tight lines, finishing with an economy of 6.59. He was a key reason for RPS’s unexpected run to the final, proving his temperament under pressure as a teenager.
• IPL 2020 (Royal Challengers Bangalore): Sundar was RCB’s most economical bowler, especially in the powerplay. He picked up 8 wickets in 15 matches with an impressive economy of 6.96, often stifling opposition batsmen and setting the tone for RCB’s bowling attack. His spells were crucial in RCB’s journey to the playoffs that year.
• IPL 2023 (Sunrisers Hyderabad): Despite an injury-hit season, Sundar showcased his batting potential with a blistering 50* off just 28 balls against Rajasthan Royals. This innings, which included 3 fours and 5 sixes, demonstrated his ability to accelerate the scoring rate and finish games, reminding everyone of his all-round capabilities. He also picked up 3/28 in the same match, making it a rare instance of a player scoring a fifty and taking three wickets in an IPL game.