NEWS
Follow UsMonths before the T20 World Cup in 2021, Washington Sundar suffered an injury, which ultimately ruled him out of the contention for the global tournament. But after a long lay-off due to injury and later with COVID, the Tamil Nadu all-rounder starred in India’s win, with figures of 3-30 in the first ODI.
"I was just bowling to my strength and of course we had some plans for their batsmen. We just wanted to execute the plans and it was heartening to get off. I am happy that I could bowl to my strengths," Washington said.
The all-rounder added that irrespective of the incidents, his focus was only becoming a better cricketing version of himself, which was seen in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
"There were a lot of challenges but I just wanted to do what I could do to improve myself as a cricketer. That's all that's in my control and I was only focussing on that," Washington said at post-match press conference.
"Yes, there will always be challenges, that's something that I have realised especially in the last couple of years. But what matters is how I push myself, keep getting better at the aspects that I want to and keep improving myself. I've tried to focus on it," the young spinner elaborated.
On the back of his injury, veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was picked in the T20 World Cup squad, where India exited in the first round of the competition.
"It was very very disappointing to have lost out on a chance to play the World Cup. But yes, there are two World Cups in the next 15-16 months, so that should be my focus."
"More than anything, I have always wanted to be in the present and keep getting better as a cricketer.
"If I do that, there would be a lot of opportunities and also the fact that I would be able to perform a lot better. I have loved to stay in the present and enjoy the game," he added.
In the past, the off-spinner has bowled exclusively in the powerplay. Over the years, that has become the hallmark of the young all-rounder. Washington added that his experience in the Vijay Hazare Trophy has helped to improve his game immensely.
"That's something I have been doing for the last few years. I enjoy bowling in the Powerplay now. Even the fact that I played Vijay Hazare, that helped me bowl in different situations of the game. Even there, I bowled a lot with the new ball. All those experiences have definitely helped," he added.