BGT 2024-25: "Gauti bhai and support staff kept believing in me.." Washington Sundar credits head coach for confidence boost

Washington Sundar scored 50 in the Boxing Day test at the MCG.

Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar credited Gautam Gambhir and the support staff for his outstanding performance in the ongoing Boxing Day test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25.

Coming in at 221/7, Sundar stitched a crucial 127-run partnership with Nitish Kumar Reddy, helping India surpass the 350-run mark and avoid follow-on in the first innings.

Playing a supporting role to the aggressor Nitish, Sundar blunted the second new ball, leaving deliveries outside off-stump and showcasing a solid defensive technique. Sundar’s resistance at one end allowed Reddy to play his attacking shots, particularly against Nathan Lyon.

He was finally dismissed by Lyon after scoring 50 runs off 162 balls, leaving India at 348/8. While Reddy has made headlines, Sundar has also earned high praise on social media platforms with many fans comparing this innings to the one he played at the Gabba in 2021.

Washington Sundar credits Gautam Gambhir for confidence boost

Speaking to the media after the end of play on Day 3, Washington Sundar expressed gratitude towards Gautam Gambhir and support staffs for keeping faith in him.

The Indian all-rounder said, “Very happy honestly, and Gauti Bhai [Gambhir] and all the support staff kept believing in me, kept telling me what I’m capable of, especially at this level, in this format. That really means a lot to me, that sort of makes me believe that you know what, I can do special things for the Indian team in this format,“

Reflecting on his performance today, Sundar acknowledged that he aimed to push further and stay unbeaten.

He concluded, “Definitely had a good day, would have been even better if I had gone on to get more runs and hadn’t lost my wicket, but yeah, I think we are in a good position today.“

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