JOIN USWhen MS Dhoni was busy saving India the blushes in Dharamsala, one youngster was keenly absorbing the finer details of that rescue act. Washington Sundar, all of 18, was left thoroughly impressed the way the former India captain took the attack to Sri Lanka.
Washington, who was flown as a cover for an injured Kedar Jadhav, has joined the team at the nick of time. He watched the contest, which India lost by seven wickets, from the dressing room.
"I did observe a lot of things. The way Mahi bhai batted was really good. He sort of wanted to counter-attack their bowling. One or two batsmen with him would have made a difference," said the teenaged all-rounder.
Washington said he was enjoying his time with the Indian team. "This is my fourth day and I don't feel I am a new part of the team. I knew a lot of players. Mahi bhai was here and I played with him in the last IPL and they all made me feel like one of the guys. I really feel good to be part of this Indian set-up," he said,
"For any cricketer, playing for India is the ultimate dream. For me to get an opportunity at the age of 18 is a great feeling. I prepared a lot for this result. I think I trust a lot in my preparation and I think it has paid off. All I have to do now is to go there and perform and win the game for my country."
Washington, who represented India in the Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh last year, impressed during Rising Pune Supergiant's march to the IPL final earlier this year. Though he picked only eight wickets, his economy rate and disciplined bowling in the powerplay stood out. During the Indian Board President's XI's 50-over game against the touring Australians, he took the wickets of Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell, conceding only 23 runs in his eight overs.
Asked about his role in the team, Washington said: "I think definitely I need to be ready to bowl my 10 overs of off-spin and contribute with the bat. I want to bat wherever my team wants to bat. That is the kind of batsman I want to be talked about. I should be able to fill in the boots the management is looking at. I hope I will be able to do that"