Coach Ravi Shastri’s dressing room stories of grit and determination worked as a tonic for young Washington Sundar, who is ready for any challenge even if it means opening the batting for India in Test matches.
The 21-year-old Washington was a specialist top-order batsman during his India U-19 days but then honed his off-spin to such an extent that he is now an automatic choice in India’s T20 team.
One of the heroes of India’s epic triumph in Brisbane, which gave them the four-match Test series against Australia, Washington spoke about the head coach’s influence on him.
“I think it will be a blessing for me if I ever get an opportunity to open the batting for India in Tests. I think I will accept the challenge just like our coach Ravi sir did during his playing days,” Washington said during an interaction from his Chennai residence.
He scored 62 in the first innings at Gabba to keep India in the match and then a quick 22, including a hooked six off Pat Cummins,…