‘He always made me understand…’ - Washington Sundar praises Gautam Gambhir after match-winning ODI knock

Washington Sundar has credited India head coach Gautam Gambhir and Gujarat Titans mentor Ashish Nehra for playing a key role in his growth as a batter after his match-winning knock in India's opening ODI against England at Edgbaston.

The all-rounder remained unbeaten on 52 as India chased down a target of 259 with six wickets in hand, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Sundar walked in at No. 5 after skipper Shubman Gill retired hurt on 80, with India still requiring 110 runs. He then stitched together an unbroken 102-run partnership with Player of the Match Axar Patel to steer the visitors home.

Over the years, Sundar has been entrusted with multiple batting roles across formats. While he has often been used as a finisher in T20Is, he has also batted as high as No. 4 in Test cricket. Against England, he once again adapted to the team's requirements and produced a composed innings under pressure.

Reflecting on his versatility, the 26-year-old said he enjoys the challenge of batting in different situations.

"The fact that I play different roles is exciting. Not many people get to play different roles. I get to play those different roles and be in those different situations. Obviously, I try my best to help the team win. As I said, it is exciting to be in different situations and different phases of the game," Sundar was quoted as saying by India Today.

Sundar also acknowledged the impact Gautam Gambhir has had on his batting since taking over as India's head coach in July 2024.

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The Tamil Nadu cricketer revealed that Gambhir helped him gain a clearer understanding of his strengths with the bat. He also praised Gujarat Titans coach Ashish Nehra for contributing to his overall development, both as a cricketer and as an individual.

"Gauti bhai always made me understand what exactly I could do with the bat, especially, and made me understand my game as well. Even Ashish Nehra at GT has always made sure... he has helped me understand myself a lot more, be it as a person or as a cricketer on the whole," Sundar concluded.

After an emphatic win in the series opener, team India will look to clinch the series with yet another solid outing in the second ODI of the series, scheduled on July 16 at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff.