Washington Sundar speaks about his credentials as a frontline batsman after his ton for TN in the Ranji Trophy.
Washington Sundar began his first-class career for Tamil Nadu as an opener. Since then, though, he has largely batted in the lower middle order, sometimes going as low as number 8.
However, following his 152 against Delhi on Saturday in Delhi, he stated that he still regards himself as a top-order batsman.
“It was a decision by the management, and I am grateful for the opportunity,” Washington said of batting in the top order. “I knew it was going to be a good opportunity for me to bat at No. 3 and I am glad I was able to contribute.
“I definitely consider myself a top-order batter. I’m very happy with the kind of opportunity I got, to bat at No. 3. For me, one thing is very important – I need to be able to do whatever the team demands. It is a team game. That is what I always think about. Hopefully, I can deliver such knocks consistently.”
168 had already been scored by N Jagadeesan and Sai Sudharsan by the time Washington came to bat. 232 was subsequently added by Washington and Sudharsan for the second wicket.
On the first day, Washington was on 96 at stumps. In the short period that play continued on Saturday, he reached his century. He guided Navdeep Saini between slip and gully for a four in the third over of the day to reach his second first-class century.
“Definitely yes,” Washington said when asked if he would like to continue batting in the top order. “I have been feeling very confident about my skills and how I have been batting in the last few years especially. I have just been trying to focus on what the team demands me to do, no matter what the situation is. But batting at the top of the order is a lot of fun.”