By Arjun 
In Mullanpur, India thrashed Afghanistan by an innings and 300 runs in a Test match that turned out to be little more than a headline with performances to boot. There was no shortage of heroes, given centuries from KL Rahul and Shubman Gill, important contributions by Sai Sudharsan (205) and Rishabh Pant (156), and a dream debut for Manav Suthar. But in the middle of such celebratory moments, Washington Sundar showed why he is still one of India’s most reliable all-rounders.
His impact may not have been the biggest talking point in the aftermath of the match, but there was no doubt about Sundar’s role in deciding it. The 26-year-old finished off India first innings unbeaten on 52* before came up with impressive figures of 4 for 36 in Afghanistan second innings. Another reminder that he could win games with bat and ball in difficult situations.
But Sundar’s true asset is his versatility. He has taken up different roles depending on the needs of the team through his Test career. He already has six half-centuries and four in innings of taking four wickets or more for just 18 Test appearances. Those are the numbers that illustrate his consistency and adaptability.
For a range of years, his role as a batsman has not been consistent. Sundar has been at a pivotal role to bat in the top order and hold onto innings as well as chip in with important runs from the lower middle order. India were already well placed against Afghanistan with the top order having done the bulk of their scoring. Instead of about personal milestones, Sundar was trying to widen the team’s lead. His calm half-century gave India important runs and in a commanding position for declaring the innings.
He took that form into Afghanistan’s second innings. Sundar was nothing if not a disciplined bowler and with some clever variations, ran through the opposition batting order to finish with four important wickets as India registered yet another emphatic win.
Sundar in the background very much shaping India’s success while others grab headlines. The silent performer who doesn’t make all the headlines, but more often than not convinces in multiple roles – he is one of the unsung heroes of this ODI side.