Washington Sundar is an Indian cricket all-rounder. He bats left-handed and bowls right-arm off-spin. He plays for India in all three formats, for Tamil Nadu in domestic cricket, and for Gujarat Titans in the IPL.
Some cricketers are remembered for one big thing — a huge six, or a famous spell of bowling. Washington Sundar is remembered for many things. He is remembered for being the youngest Indian to debut in T20Is. He is remembered for a brave 62 runs on Test debut at The Gabba — one of cricket’s most famous grounds — when India had no experienced batters left. He is remembered for bowling the first over of T20Is for India so tightly that batters could not score. He is remembered for a maiden Test century in England in 2025 that saved India.
But his story is not only about cricket records. It also has a beautiful human story behind it — a story about a name. Washington Sundar’s name is not a common Indian name. And the reason behind his name is one of the most touching stories in Indian cricket. It shows what loyalty, gratitude, and family love can look like.
His journey has had ups and downs. He has faced injuries. He spent years waiting for chances when Ashwin, Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav were all ahead of him. He missed a Test century by just four runs once (96 not out). He came back every time. He never gave up. And today, he is one of the most complete all-rounders India has — a player every captain wants in their side.
Washington Sundar Quick Facts
- Full Name: Washington Sundar (his formal full name includes his father’s name — M. Washington Sundar)
- Nickname: Washi (teammates and fans call him this lovingly)
- Age: Washington Sundar age is 26 years as of April 1, 2026. He will turn 27 on October 5, 2026.
- Date of Birth: October 5, 1999
- Height: 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 74 kg (163 lbs). He has a tall, lean athletic build.
- Role: Bowling all-rounder. He bowls right-arm off-spin and bats left-handed in the middle order (usually at number 6 or 7).
- Batting style: Left-handed batsman.
- Bowling style: Right-arm off-break (off-spin).
- Washington Sundar’s father’s name: M. Sundar (also called Mani Sundar). He was a cricketer who was close to making Tamil Nadu’s Ranji Trophy team but never played for them.
- Mother’s name: Lakshmi Sundar. She is a homemaker.
- Siblings: Washington has one elder sister named Shailaja Sundar (also known as M. S. Shailaja). She is also a professional cricketer and has played for Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry.
- Birth Place: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
- Education: Washington studied at St. Bede’s Anglo-Indian Higher Secondary School in Chennai. He also trained at the MRF Pace Foundation in Chennai.
- Washington Sundar’s jersey number: He wears jersey number 20 for India and various numbers for different IPL teams but mostly 5 or 55.
- Washington Sundar Religion: He follows Hinduism. He is from a Tamil Hindu family.
- Caste: Tamil Brahmin background (his family is Hindu Tamil).
- ODI debut: December 13, 2017 vs Sri Lanka in Mohali.
- T20I debut: December 24, 2017 vs Sri Lanka in Mumbai. He became the youngest Indian to debut in T20Is — at the age of 18 years and 80 days.
- Test debut: January 15, 2021 vs Australia at The Gabba, Brisbane.
- Domestic team: Tamil Nadu.
- First-class debut: October 6, 2016 for Tamil Nadu (Ranji Trophy).
- IPL debut: April 22, 2017 for Rising Pune Supergiant.
- Current IPL team: Gujarat Titans (GT) — acquired for ₹3.2 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction.
- Marital status: Single. Washington Sundar is not married as of April 2026. He is focused on his cricket career.
- BCCI contract: Grade C — ₹1 crore per year.
- IPL salary: ₹3.2 crore per season (Gujarat Titans, 2025 and 2026).
- Major titles: Part of India squads that won the 2023 Asia Cup, 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, and 2026 T20 World Cup.
- Endorsement brands: Puma India, Gillette, Anker Innovations, FIRE-BOLTT, Forma Helmets, and Sareen Sports (SG).
The Beautiful Story Behind His Name
This is one of the most special stories in Indian cricket. And it must be told before anything else.
Washington Sundar is a Tamil Hindu boy from Chennai. Yet his name is Washington — an English, American-sounding name. Why?
When Washington’s father, M. Sundar, was a young cricketer in Chennai’s Triplicane area, there lived a retired army officer nearby named P. D. Washington. This man loved cricket and he loved the young Sundar. Even though P. D. Washington himself was not a cricketer, he saw Sundar’s talent and became his biggest supporter.
P. D. Washington did everything to help Sundar’s cricket dream. He bought his cricket equipment. He paid his school fees. He bought his books. He rode him to school on his bicycle. He watched every match he could. He gave Sundar money, time, love, and belief when Sundar’s own family could not afford it.
Washington Sundar was born in 1999 — just a few months after P. D. Washington passed away. The delivery was a difficult one. But the baby survived.
M. Sundar, full of gratitude for everything P. D. Washington had done for him, decided to name his newborn son Washington. In a Tamil Hindu family, this was not a normal choice. But it was a choice made with the fullest heart. He said: “In honor of the man who had done so much for me, I chose the name Washington for my son. If I had a second son, I would have named him Washington Junior.”
That is why Washington Sundar carries that name. It is not just a name. It is a tribute. It is a promise. It is love made permanent.
Who Is Washington Sundar?
Washington Sundar is one of India’s most complete all-rounders in modern cricket. BCCI describes him as a versatile, fearless, and astute all-rounder — a utility player that every captain craves. He can bowl in the powerplay, in the middle overs, and sometimes even in the death. He can bat anywhere in the batting order. He is also one of the safest fielders in the team.
He is someone who went from being a batsman as a youngster to making his name as an off-spinner — similar to how the great Ravichandran Ashwin developed. That comparison alone tells you how talented he is.
He is a player who steps up in the biggest moments. At The Gabba in 2021, when India were in trouble, Sundar came in at number seven and scored 62 brave runs. In England in 2025, when India needed someone to save a Test match, he scored his first Test century. In T20Is, he has been India’s go-to powerplay bowler for years. He does not just fill a role — he defines it.
Washington Sundar Height and Weight
- Washington Sundar Height in feet: 6 feet 1 inch (6 ft 1 in)
- Height in cm: 185 cm
- Height in meters: 1.85 meters
- Weight: Approximately 74 kg
- Weight in pounds: Around 163 lbs
His tall and lean build helps him get extra bounce from the pitch when he bowls. For an off-spinner, getting the ball to lift sharply is a rare quality. His height gives him a high release point, which creates difficulty for batters. He also uses his height to hit the ball cleanly when batting.
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Washington Sundar’s Parents
Father: M. Sundar (Mani Sundar)
M. Sundar is the man who shaped Washington’s cricket life. He was a cricketer himself and came close to playing for Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy — but never made it to the final squad. Even so, his love for cricket never died. He passed it on to his children.
When Washington showed early signs of talent, his father put him into cricket training seriously from a young age. He trained under his father’s guidance and later got formal coaching from dedicated academy systems in Chennai.
M. Sundar has been a very vocal supporter of his son. In 2025, he even publicly spoke about how he felt selectors and IPL franchises had not always treated Washington fairly. That kind of bold support, even when it caused controversy, shows the deep love a father has for his son.
M. Sundar is also the person who gave Washington his unusual and beautiful name — as a tribute to P. D. Washington, the army officer who had supported his cricket dreams years ago.
Mother: Lakshmi Sundar
Lakshmi Sundar is a homemaker. She is the quiet backbone of the family. While M. Sundar was the visible cricket supporter, Lakshmi made sure the home was running smoothly and that Washington always had a strong base to return to. In March 2025, Washington celebrated his new house warming ceremony with his full family, including his mother. The occasion was shared on social media and fans saw the love this family shares.
Siblings: Shailaja Sundar
Washington has one elder sister named Shailaja Sundar — also known as M. S. Shailaja. She is also a professional cricketer who has played for Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry. Having a cricketer sister meant that Washington grew up in a family where cricket was talked about, practiced, and lived every single day. He started training in cricket alongside his sister under his father’s guidance. It was a cricket family in the truest sense.
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Personal Life,
Lots of fans asks for Washington sundar wife name ? The answer is Washington Sundar is currently single and unmarried as of April 2026. He is 26 years old and fully focused on his cricket career. There have been some media rumours linking him to actress Varshini Sounderajan and actress Sahiba Bali, but nothing has ever been officially confirmed. Washington has not spoken publicly about any relationship.
Off the field, Washington is known for being a calm and humble person. He is grounded in his values and upbringing. He loves making coffee (he is known among teammates for being great at it!), enjoys vlogging and documenting travel moments, has a keen interest in fashion, and loves playing video games and listening to music.
He bought a beautiful new home in Chennai in 2025. In March 2025, he celebrated the housewarming ceremony in traditional style with his family. The home blends traditional and modern design. He also owns a Mercedes SUV and a Mahindra Thar. The Mahindra Thar was a special gift — it was given to him by Indian industrialist Anand Mahindra himself after Washington’s outstanding performance at The Gabba Test in 2021. That kind of recognition from one of India’s biggest business leaders shows how much his performance meant to the whole country.
He is active on social media and regularly shares cricket moments, family time, and his personal life with his fans. He regularly posts photos with his father. The bond between them is visible to everyone who follows him.
Early Life and Cricket Beginnings
Washington was born in Chennai on October 5, 1999. He grew up in a lower-middle-class household in Chennai. The family was not rich. But they had big dreams and a strong love for cricket.
He started playing cricket at a very young age — just four or five years old. By the time he was in school, cricket was already his main passion. His father trained him from the start.
He did his schooling at St. Bede’s Anglo-Indian Higher Secondary School in Chennai — a school with a good cricket history. He also trained at the MRF Pace Foundation, one of India’s best cricket training centres, where many great Indian cricketers have learned their skills.
An important turning point came early. Washington had started as a batsman. He was a good young batter. But as he grew, he began developing his off-spin bowling seriously — under the guidance of former India off-spinner M. Venkataramana. That change — from batter to bowling all-rounder — is what made him the player he is today. It is a path very similar to Ravichandran Ashwin, who is also from Tamil Nadu and also started as a batter before becoming an off-spin great.
In 2013, while playing Under-16 cricket, he was the leading run-scorer for Tamil Nadu in the tournament. This earned him a spot in a 40-day training camp at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru — a huge achievement for a 13–14 year old.
In 2016, he represented India at the Under-19 World Cup. He was just 16 years old. In the final against the West Indies, he bowled a 9-over spell that gave only 18 runs. India lost the final, but Washington’s composed performance was noticed by everyone watching.
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Domestic Cricket Career
Tamil Nadu Domestic Journey
Washington made his first-class debut for Tamil Nadu on October 6, 2016 in the Ranji Trophy. That is the same year he played the U-19 World Cup — a remarkable double at such a young age.
In October 2017, he scored his maiden first-class century for Tamil Nadu against Tripura in the Ranji Trophy. That was a sign that his batting was becoming serious, not just a small bonus to his bowling.
His domestic career has been steady. He has been Tamil Nadu’s key spinning all-rounder. Even as he kept missing India chances due to injury and competition, he kept performing at domestic level to keep his hand raised.
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The 2017 Tamil Nadu Premier League — A Breakout Moment
One of the most stunning domestic performances of his career came in the 2017 Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL). In that tournament, Washington was not only a bowler — he was the top run-scorer with 459 runs. And he also took 15 wickets with the ball. That kind of performance — nearly 500 runs AND 15 wickets in the same tournament — is extraordinary for any all-rounder at any level.
Lancashire County Cricket — 2022
In August 2022, Washington played for Lancashire County Cricket Club in England in the Royal London One-Day Cup and the County Championship. In his debut match for Lancashire against Northamptonshire, he took a five-wicket haul. Playing county cricket in England, where conditions are very different from India, and taking five wickets on debut shows his class.
Washington Sundar – India A and Duleep Trophy Facts
Washington Sundar has represented India A in several tours and matches, and has played the Duleep Trophy (representing teams like India Red, India B, etc.). He is known for his solid batting in the middle order and accurate off-spin bowling.
Overall First-Class (FC) Career Stats (as of April 2026):
- Matches: 46
- Runs: 2,154 (Average: 34.19)
- Highest Score: 159
- 100s: 3 | 50s: 11
- Wickets: 99 (Average: 30.17)
- Best Bowling: 7/59 (10-wicket match haul: 2)
He has been a consistent all-round performer in domestic red-ball cricket, often contributing with both bat and ball.
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Duleep Trophy Performances
Washington Sundar has featured in multiple editions of the Duleep Trophy. Here are the most notable highlights:
2017 Duleep Trophy (India Red)
This was one of his breakout domestic performances as a teenager.
- Final vs India Blue (2017):
- Batting: Scored 88 runs (with six 4s and five 6s)
- Bowling: Took 2 wickets in the first innings
- Match Haul: 11 wickets in the match (including a strong spell)
- India Red won the title comfortably. Washington Sundar was named Man of the Match.
He played a crucial all-round role, helping India Red dominate the final.
2024/25 Duleep Trophy
- Represented India B.
- Scored useful runs in key matches, including a notable unbeaten knock of 39 (off 89 balls) in one game, forming important partnerships.
- Contributed with the ball as well, though specific wicket tallies were modest compared to his 2017 heroics.
In recent seasons, he has been more of a batting all-rounder in the Duleep Trophy, often stabilizing the middle order.
India A Performances
Washington Sundar has played several India A matches (List A and First-Class) against touring sides and in triangular series.
Key Highlights:
- Strong performances in India A vs touring teams (e.g., against England A, Australia A, etc.).
- Useful contributions with bat (middle-order stability) and ball (off-spin control in helpful conditions).
- He has been a regular pick for India A in red-ball and white-ball setups to prepare for senior international cricket.
Here is a summary table of his known standout Duleep Trophy contributions:
| Year | Team | Match | Batting | Bowling | Result / Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | India Red | Final vs India Blue | 88 | 2 wickets (Match: 11 wkts) | Man of the Match, India Red won |
| 2024/25 | India B | vs India D / others | 39* (one match) | Moderate contribution | Useful all-round show |
How the IPL Opened the Door
Washington Sundar’s IPL story has a wonderful and funny start. In 2017, Ravichandran Ashwin was signed by Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS). But Ashwin got injured. RPS needed a replacement off-spinner. They chose the young 17-year-old Washington Sundar.
He walked into the IPL — without even being picked in the regular auction — and immediately made an impact. In IPL 2017, in the Qualifier 1 between Mumbai Indians and Rising Pune Supergiant, Washington took 3 wickets for 16 runs. It was the best bowling figures in an IPL Qualifier match at that point. He won the Man of the Match award. A 17-year-old, playing his first big IPL match, won the Man of the Match! People could not believe what they were watching.
That one performance changed his career forever.
Washington Sundar IPL Career
IPL Debut: April 22, 2017 — Rising Pune Supergiant.
IPL Teams: Rising Pune Supergiant (2017) → Royal Challengers Bengaluru/RCB (2018–2021) → Sunrisers Hyderabad/SRH (2022–2024) → Gujarat Titans/GT (2025–2026).
Total IPL Matches (as of April 2026): 66+ matches Total IPL Wickets: 39+ wickets Best Bowling in IPL: 3/16 Economy Rate: Around 7.70
IPL Journey Year by Year
2017 (Rising Pune Supergiant — ₹10 lakh as replacement): He entered as a replacement for Ashwin. Played 11 matches. Took 8 wickets with an economy rate of 6.16 — one of the best in the tournament. Helped RPS reach the IPL final. His 3/16 in Qualifier 1 was a match-winning performance that earned him Man of the Match.
2018–2021 (Royal Challengers Bengaluru — ₹3.2 crore): RCB bought him in the 2018 auction for ₹3.2 crore. He spent four seasons at RCB. The best was IPL 2020, where he played 15 matches, took 8 wickets, and bowled at an economy of less than 6 runs per over — excellent for a T20 spinner. In 2021, he could only play 6 matches due to form and competition. He missed IPL 2021 fully due to injury and was released before the 2022 auction.
2022–2024 (Sunrisers Hyderabad — ₹8.75 crore): SRH bought him at the 2022 mega auction for ₹8.75 crore — a massive jump in salary. This showed how highly the market valued his skills. But his SRH years were not his best. In 2022, he played 9 matches and took 6 wickets. In 2023, he got only 7 matches. In 2024, he again struggled for consistent form and was eventually released by SRH before the 2025 auction.
2025–2026 (Gujarat Titans — ₹3.2 crore): In the 2025 mega auction, GT bought Washington for ₹3.2 crore. The bidding started at ₹2 crore and both Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants wanted him. GT won the bidding war. Washington joined a GT team that also has Rashid Khan — so he bowls alongside one of the best spinners in the world. He is a key part of GT’s plans for 2025 and 2026.
Washington Sundar Trade to CSK – Latest Update (April 2026)
No, Washington Sundar has NOT been traded to Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
Current Status (IPL 2026)
- Team: Washington Sundar is still with Gujarat Titans (GT).
- He was bought by GT for ₹3.20 crore in the IPL 2025 auction and continues to play for them in the ongoing IPL 2026 season.
- GT have given him a bigger role this season, including batting higher up the order (often at No. 4).
What Happened with the Trade Rumours?
Before the IPL 2026 mini-auction and trade window (November 2025), there were strong rumours and reports that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were interested in trading for Washington Sundar.
Key Points:
- CSK wanted to bring the Chennai-born all-rounder back home as a spin-bowling option (to strengthen their spin department after possible changes involving Ravindra Jadeja).
- CSK made an official trade approach to Gujarat Titans.
- Gujarat Titans rejected the trade offer. They declined both a player-swap deal and an all-cash offer.
- GT head coach Ashish Nehra and captain Shubman Gill wanted to keep their core group intact.
- The trade talks officially ended in early November 2025.
Why the Rumours Were Strong
- Washington Sundar is a local Chennai boy (born and raised in Chennai, plays for Tamil Nadu domestically).
- CSK fans were excited about the possibility of him replacing or complementing their spin attack.
- Many YouTube channels and social media posts claimed “Washington Sundar to CSK is a done deal” — but these turned out to be unconfirmed rumours.
Biggest IPL Achievements
His Man of the Match performance in IPL 2017 Qualifier 1 (3/16 for Rising Pune Supergiant against Mumbai Indians) is the most famous IPL moment of his career. He was just 17 years old. That knock changed how Indian cricket saw him.
He is one of the most economical powerplay bowlers in IPL history. Very few spinners can bowl in the first six overs of a T20 match and concede less than 6 runs per over. Washington does it regularly.
Total IPL Earnings (approximately): ₹10 lakh (2017) + ₹3.2 crore × 4 years (2018–2021) + ₹8.75 crore × 3 years (2022–2024) + ₹3.2 crore × 2 years (2025–2026) = Approximately ₹50+ crore in total IPL earnings.
Washington Sundar India Career
Current India Role: Spinning all-rounder in all three formats. He bowls off-spin, especially in the powerplay in white-ball cricket. He bats in the lower-middle order. BCCI describes him as a player who can bat anywhere and bowl in any phase of the game.
The Debut Story — Youngest Indian T20I Debutant
T20I Debut: December 24, 2017 vs Sri Lanka at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
When Washington was named in India’s T20I squad in November 2017, he was only 18 years old. On December 24, 2017, he made his T20I debut and became the youngest Indian player to debut in T20Is — at the age of 18 years and 80 days. He took 1 wicket for 22 runs in his debut. It was a composed beginning for such a young player.
ODI Debut: December 13, 2017 vs Sri Lanka in Mohali.
He made his ODI debut just 11 days before his T20I debut. In that match, his first international wicket was Lahiru Thirimanne, whom he clean bowled. What a way to start an international career!
Test Debut: January 15, 2021 vs Australia at The Gabba, Brisbane.
This is the most famous and most important debut story of his career. Read the full story below.
The Gabba Test — The Moment He Became Famous
This is the chapter of Washington Sundar’s life that people will talk about forever. It is one of the greatest stories in Indian cricket history.
India toured Australia in 2020–21. By the time the fourth and final Test came at The Gabba in Brisbane, India had lost many senior players to injury. Virat Kohli had gone home after the first Test. Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, Hanuma Vihari, and others were injured. India were playing with a very young and inexperienced team.
Washington Sundar was sent on the tour only as a net bowler — to help the main players practice by bowling at them in the nets. He was not supposed to play. But with so many injuries, India had no choice. Washington was given his first Test cap for a Test at The Gabba. And The Gabba was one of Australia’s strongest grounds — Australia had not lost a Test there since 1988!
India went in to bat and were struggling. When Washington Sundar came to bat at number seven, India were in a very difficult position. What did he do? He scored 62 brilliant runs. He shared a match-changing 123-run partnership with Shardul Thakur. That partnership took India from a position of potential disaster to a competitive total. He became only the third Indian to score a half-century on Test debut in Australia.
Then, with the ball, he took 3 wickets including the priceless wicket of Steve Smith — one of the best batters in the world.
In the second innings, when India needed someone to bat well again, Washington scored a vital 22 runs at a crucial moment.
India went on to win The Gabba Test and the series. It was one of the greatest team victories in Test cricket history. And Washington Sundar was one of the heroes.
After the match, Indian industrialist Anand Mahindra gifted him a Mahindra Thar — a brand new SUV — as a mark of respect for his incredible performance. That gift is still one of the most famous sports celebrations in India in recent years.
The 96 Not Out — The Near Miss
In April 2021, India played a Test against England at home in Ahmedabad. Washington Sundar was batting and was on 96 not out — just four runs away from his maiden Test century! But India’s innings ended and he was left stranded at 96 not out. He could not get those four more runs.
That is one of cricket’s cruelest moments. Being so close to a century and not getting there. Many players never recover from such a disappointment. But Washington kept his head up. He waited four more years.
The Maiden Test Century — England 2025
In July 2025, India played the fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England at Old Trafford in Manchester. India needed to draw the match to keep the series alive. The pitch was good for bowling. England were batting well.
Washington Sundar came to bat and played a gritty, patient, and brilliant knock. He scored his maiden Test century. Those four runs he missed in 2021 finally came — and then some more! After waiting four years, he finally had his Test hundred.
His hundred helped India draw the Test at Old Trafford. In the full series, he scored 270 runs in 8 innings at an average of 47.33 and took 7 wickets. BCCI called his contributions crucial to India drawing the Anderson-Tendulkar series 2-2.
After his 96 not out in 2021, he had once said he was okay with not getting the century because the team result was what mattered. But when that century finally came in Manchester, after four long years of waiting, it was a moment of pure joy.
The 2024 New Zealand Series — A Career Revival
The 2024 home Test series against New Zealand was a difficult time for India — they lost 0-3 at home for the first time in 12 years. But in that dark moment, Washington Sundar shone brightly. He was India’s highest wicket-taker in the series with 16 wickets. His best performance was 7/59 in the Pune Test — the best bowling figures of his career. That was a stunning spell that reminded everyone how good he is with the ball.
In October 2024, he also took his maiden ten-wicket haul in a Test match against New Zealand (taking wickets in both innings of the same Test). That is a major milestone for any Test bowler.
India Career Washington Sundar stats (as of April 2026)
Batting Stats
| Format | Matches | Innings | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 17 | ~28 | ~850+ | 101* | ~35 | ~68 | 1 | 4 |
| ODI | 29 | ~20 | ~350 | 64* | ~25 | ~100 | 0 | 1 |
| T20I | ~60 | ~30 | ~400 | 45* | ~20 | ~130 | 0 | 0 |
Bowling Stats
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | Average | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 17 | 36 | 7/59 | 32.97 | 3.26 |
| ODI | 29 | 29 | 3/30 | 28.86 | 4.95 |
| T20I | ~60 | 51 | 3/3 | 23.80 | 6.98 |
Note: Stats are approximate based on data available as of April 2026.
Highest Scores
- Test Highest Score: 101* vs England at Old Trafford, Manchester (July 2025) — his maiden Test century
- ODI Highest Score: 64* (notable big knock showing his batting value)
- T20I Highest Score: Around 45*
Best Bowling Figures
- Test Best Bowling: 7/59 vs New Zealand in Pune (October 2024) — career best. Part of his maiden 10-wicket match haul.
- ODI Best Bowling: 3/30
- T20I Best Bowling: 3/3 (outstanding figures)
- IPL Best Bowling: 3/16 (vs Mumbai Indians, IPL 2017 Qualifier 1)
ICC Tournament Involvement
Washington Sundar has been part of several major ICC and ACC tournaments throughout his career. He is one of those players who is especially important in multi-team tournaments because of his dual value — bowling economically in the powerplay AND contributing runs lower down the order.
T20I Career and Powerplay Bowling
For most of his early India career (2017–2020), Washington was India’s most trusted powerplay T20I bowler. In the powerplay (first 6 overs), most teams avoid using spinners because batters can attack freely. But Washington is so accurate and so clever that India trusted him with the first over of T20Is regularly. He would bowl 4 overs for less than 6 runs per over in T20Is — which is outstanding.
He was named Player of the Series in the 2018 Nidahas Trophy (tri-series involving India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh). He took 8 wickets in that tournament. India won the trophy, and Washington’s bowling was a key reason why.
2023 Asia Cup (India Won)
Washington was part of India’s squad for the 2023 Asia Cup, which India won. He contributed as an all-rounder in the tournament.
2025 ICC Champions Trophy (India Won)
Washington was named in India’s 15-member squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy after being a regular part of the setup. India won the Champions Trophy in 2025. He was part of that title-winning squad.
2026 T20 World Cup (India Won)
Washington was part of India’s T20 World Cup 2026-winning squad. He is a “T20 World Cup 2026 winner with India.” This is another major ICC title he has now won.
Key Performances for India
1) Test Debut at The Gabba — January 2021
62 runs from number seven, 3 wickets (including Steve Smith), and 22 more runs in the second innings. India won a historic Test on Australia’s strongest ground. This single performance put Washington Sundar on the world cricket map.
2) Nidahas Trophy 2018 — Player of the Series
8 wickets. Economy under 6 per over in T20Is. India won the tournament. Washington controlled the powerplay brilliantly. Still one of the best tournament bowling performances by an Indian T20 spinner.
3) 7/59 vs New Zealand, Pune — October 2024
His career-best bowling figures. In a series where India were struggling, he was the one bright light — the highest wicket-taker with 16 wickets. The 7/59 in Pune is the kind of spell that changes how people see a bowler.
4) Maiden Test Century vs England at Old Trafford — July 2025
After missing a century by 4 runs in 2021, he waited four years. When he finally got it, it came at one of England’s most famous grounds. He helped India draw a Test match that looked like it was going England’s way. Those 270 runs he scored in that England series show what he can do with the bat in Test cricket.
5) 53 runs in the fifth Test vs England, 2025
In the final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar series, batting on a difficult pitch, he scored 53 runs and helped India post 396 in their second innings. His lower-order grit is what India needed.
6) IPL 2017 Qualifier 1 — 3/16 for Rising Pune Supergiant
At the age of 17, in a high-pressure IPL knockout match, he took 3 wickets for just 16 runs. He won Man of the Match. This was the match that showed India what they had in Washington Sundar.
Washington Sundar Bowling Style
Main Style: Washington Sundar is a right-arm off-spin bowler. He is a thinking, disciplined spinner who uses his height to get bounce and his accuracy to restrict batters. He is not a huge turner of the ball like some other spinners. He relies on line, length, bounce, and clever variations.
Key Features of His Bowling
Powerplay specialist: This is his most special skill. He bowls in the powerplay overs (first 6 overs) of T20Is — something most spinners cannot do. He is so accurate that he concedes less than 6 runs per over even when batters can attack freely. Very few off-spinners in the world can do this.
Height-generated bounce: At 6 feet 1 inch, he gets the ball to jump sharply off the pitch. This makes it hard for batters to play on the front foot. They cannot simply pad the ball away — it comes at them too quickly.
Tight line and length: He bowls in the right areas. Batters find it hard to score freely against him because he rarely gives them the room to play big shots.
Smart variations: He uses a quicker ball, a slower ball, a drift ball, and sometimes a slight seamer. He does not bowl just one type of delivery. He reads the batter and changes plans quickly.
Strengths
His biggest strength in Test cricket is that he can take wickets with the ball and then bat well to add runs — giving India genuine all-round balance. His ability to bowl in the powerplay of T20Is is a quality that very few Indian spinners have ever had. He is also a very safe fielder and can take catches, run batters out, and prevent boundaries in the field.
Weaknesses
He does not turn the ball sharply. On flat pitches, experienced batters who read spin well can sometimes score freely against him. He is not a big match-winner with the ball in ODI cricket — his ODI wicket stats are good but not spectacular. His main value comes from economy and control, not wicket-taking pace.
Washington Sundar Batting Style
Main Style: Left-handed middle-order batsman. He usually comes in at number six or seven. He is not a slogger. He plays proper cricket shots. He can defend, drive, pull, and also hit big sixes when needed.
His most important batting quality is this: he stays calm when India are in trouble. At The Gabba in 2021, India were struggling. He came in and played like he had done it a hundred times. He defended well, ran hard between wickets, and hit boundaries when they were available. That is proper batting under pressure.
His 62 on Test debut, his 101 not out in England, his 96 not out in Ahmedabad (so close to a century!), and his 53 in the fifth England Test in 2025 — all of these were innings where India needed someone to step up. He stepped up every time.
He is also a left-hander, which gives India a different look in the batting lineup. Left-handers often change the angle of delivery and force bowlers to think differently. In a team with many right-handers, a capable left-handed batsman is always valuable.
Injuries and Comebacks — The Hard Years
Washington Sundar’s career has been interrupted by injuries several times. ESPNcricinfo notes that he spent much of the time between 2022 and 2024 in rehab for various injuries. Missing IPL matches, missing India tours, and sitting in the rehab centre when you should be playing cricket is one of the hardest things for any cricketer.
But he came back every time. After every injury, he returned to domestic cricket, performed, and knocked on the selector’s door again. The 2024 New Zealand series (where he took 16 wickets and was India’s best bowler) was arguably his best comeback performance after years of injuries and in-and-out selections.
He also had to wait patiently while Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav were all ahead of him in the pecking order. Having three world-class spinners ahead of you means you must wait your turn. Washington waited without complaining. When his chance came — especially in 2024 and 2025 — he made sure he took it.
A Question Fans Often Ask: Is Washington Sundar Related to Ravichandran Ashwin?
No. Washington Sundar and Ravichandran Ashwin are NOT related.
Both are Tamil Nadu cricketers. Both bowl right-arm off-spin. Both are tall off-spinning all-rounders who bat in the lower order. Their careers are similar in many ways. Washington even replaced Ashwin in his very first IPL game! This makes fans think they might be related. But they are not. They are two separate cricketers from Tamil Nadu who share a similar playing style — that is all.
| Detail | Washington Sundar | Ravichandran Ashwin |
|---|---|---|
| Born | October 5, 1999 | September 17, 1986 |
| From | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
| Bowling | Right-arm off-spin | Right-arm off-spin |
| Batting | Left-handed | Right-handed |
| Family | Father is M. Sundar | Completely different family |
| Relation | NOT related | NOT related |
Washington is sometimes described as “Ashwin’s successor” or “Ashwin’s heir apparent” in Indian cricket — not because they are family, but because he plays a similar role and is from the same state. It is a cricket comparison, not a family connection.
Washington Sundar Career Stats Summary
International Bowling Stats
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Best | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 17 | 36 | 7/59 | 3.26 |
| ODI | 29 | 29 | 3/30 | 4.95 |
| T20I | ~60 | 51 | 3/3 | 6.98 |
Domestic and IPL Stats
| Competition | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-class | ~40+ | 100+ | 7/XX | Includes Ranji Trophy and County Cricket |
| List A | ~30+ | 40+ | 5/XX | Including 5-fer on Lancashire debut |
| IPL | 66 | 39+ | 3/16 | Served 4 franchises across 9 seasons |
Major Records and Achievements
Washington Sundar became the youngest Indian player to debut in T20Is — at the age of 18 years and 80 days — when he played against Sri Lanka on December 24, 2017.
He is one of the only Indian spinners to bowl regularly in the powerplay overs of T20Is with an economy rate under 6 runs per over. That is an extraordinary skill for an off-spinner.
His 7/59 against New Zealand in 2024 is his career-best bowling and also helped him record his maiden 10-wicket match haul in Tests. He was India’s highest wicket-taker in that series with 16 wickets.
His performance at The Gabba in 2021 — 62 on debut, partnership of 123 with Shardul Thakur, 3 wickets including Steve Smith — is one of the most complete debut performances by any Indian player in recent cricket history.
He finally achieved his maiden Test century (101*) in England at Old Trafford in July 2025 — after missing a century by just 4 runs (96 not out) four years earlier.
He has been part of three major Indian team titles: 2023 Asia Cup, 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, and 2026 T20 World Cup.
In the 2017 Tamil Nadu Premier League, he was the top run-scorer (459 runs) AND took 15 wickets in the same tournament. Very few all-rounders achieve that kind of balance.
Washington Sundar Net Worth
Estimated Net Worth: ₹32 crore (approximately USD 4 million) as of 2025–26.
His net worth has grown strongly as he became a regular India player across all three formats and earned big IPL contracts.
Main Sources of Income
IPL Salary: The biggest earner. He earned ₹8.75 crore per season with SRH (2022–2024). Now ₹3.2 crore per season with Gujarat Titans (2025–2026). His total IPL earnings since 2017 are approximately ₹50+ crore.
BCCI Central Contract: Grade C — ₹1 crore per year. He also earns match fees for every Test, ODI, and T20I he plays.
Brand Endorsements: He is a brand ambassador for Puma India (signed alongside Devdutt Padikkal in April 2021). Other brands include Anker Innovations, Gillette, FIRE-BOLTT, Forma Helmets, and Sareen Sports (SG). Together, these endorsements bring in an estimated ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore per year.
Special Gift: He received a Mahindra Thar SUV as a gift from Anand Mahindra after his Gabba Test performance. He also owns a Mercedes SUV.
Property: He has a beautiful new home in Chennai, which he celebrated with a housewarming ceremony in March 2025.
Career Earnings Trajectory
Before 2021, his net worth was much smaller — around ₹5–8 crore, mostly from IPL and domestic cricket.
After his Gabba heroics in 2021 and his SRH contract of ₹8.75 crore, his net worth jumped sharply.
After his 2024 New Zealand series (16 wickets) and England Test century in 2025, his value and recognition grew even more.
As of 2026, most sources estimate his net worth at approximately ₹32 crore. With his career still going strongly, this will continue to grow.
Latest News About Washington Sundar
Washington Sundar has been in excellent form in 2025–26. His Test century in England in July 2025 was a career-defining moment. His 16 wickets against New Zealand in 2024 showed he can dominate the best batting lineups in the world.
He is now firmly established as India’s number one off-spinning all-rounder in Test cricket. With Ravichandran Ashwin retired from international cricket, Washington Sundar has the field to himself as India’s main off-spinner in Tests. That is a huge responsibility — and also a huge opportunity.
He was part of India’s 2026 T20 World Cup-winning squad, adding another major title to his already impressive collection.
In the IPL, he is with Gujarat Titans for 2026, bowling alongside Rashid Khan and contributing as a batting all-rounder. His powerplay bowling and useful lower-order hitting continue to be his biggest IPL contributions.
In March 2025, he celebrated the housewarming of his new Chennai home with family — showing that even as his cricket career goes from strength to strength, he stays grounded and connected to his roots.
FAQs
Who is Washington Sundar?
Washington Sundar is an Indian cricket all-rounder from Chennai who bats left-handed and bowls right-arm off-spin. He plays for India, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat Titans in the IPL.
Why is Washington Sundar’s name “Washington”?
His father named him Washington in tribute to P. D. Washington — a retired army officer who financially supported his father’s cricket career when their family was poor. It is one of the most touching name stories in cricket.
What is Washington Sundar’s age?
He is 26 years old as of April 2026. He was born on October 5, 1999.
Which IPL team does Washington Sundar play for?
He plays for Gujarat Titans (GT) — bought for ₹3.2 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction.
What is Washington Sundar’s biggest achievement?
He has many. But his performance at The Gabba in 2021 (62 on Test debut, 3 wickets including Steve Smith) is the most famous. His 7/59 vs New Zealand in 2024 is his best bowling. His 101* vs England in 2025 is his maiden Test century.
Is Washington Sundar related to Ravichandran Ashwin?
No. They are not related. They are both Tamil Nadu off-spin all-rounders, but they come from completely different families.
Is Washington Sundar married?
No. He is single and unmarried as of April 2026. He is focused on his cricket career.
What is Washington Sundar famous for?
He is famous for being India’s youngest T20I debutant, his brave Gabba Test debut, his powerplay bowling in T20Is, his Test century in England in 2025, and his 16-wicket series vs New Zealand in 2024.
What is Washington Sundar’s height?
He is 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) tall.
What is Washington Sundar’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is approximately ₹32 crore (around USD 4 million) as of 2025–26.
Conclusion
Washington Sundar’s story is one of patience, gratitude, and persistence. He carries a name given in love — a tribute to a man who helped his father dream. He carries a talent given by nature and shaped by years of hard work in the Chennai cricket grounds. He carries the scars of injuries and near-misses — like that 96 not out he could not convert — and he carries the memory of rising from those setbacks every single time.
From a 17-year-old who walked into an IPL knockout match and took 3 wickets for 16 runs, to a player who saved a Test match in England with his maiden century — his journey shows what consistency, belief, and character can produce.
India’s cricket has many match-winners. Washington Sundar is something even rarer — a player who is always there, always ready, always gives his best, and makes the team better in ways that do not always show in the headline stats. That is why every captain wants him. That is why every fan trusts him. That is why “Washi” is, and will continue to be, one of Indian cricket’s most important players.
Rahul Desai is a cricket rules researcher who closely studies official rulebooks, match conditions, and tournament regulations. His articles explain tricky scenarios like no-ball decisions, super overs, and DLS calculations in a straightforward way. Rahul’s content is ideal for fans who want rule clarity.