After suffering a 32-run defeat in the second ODI against Sri Lanka, India’s all-rounder Washington Sundar has emphasized the significance of the upcoming third and final ODI. This match presents a crucial opportunity for the team to adapt and overcome the challenges posed by spin bowling in difficult conditions, an experience that will be invaluable in preparation for the forthcoming Champions Trophy next year.
Sundar acknowledged the team’s struggles against Sri Lanka’s spinners, which have put India on the brink of its first bilateral ODI series loss to the island nation in 27 years. However, he expressed optimism about the team’s ability to navigate through critical situations and learn from the series to improve performance.
“It is an opportunity for us to go out there and put our hands up and win those critical situations,” Sundar said. “Obviously, with the big tournaments coming up, we will be in similar situations and it will be important to find ways as to what we can do to win those critical situations especially in similar conditions against quality spin attack.”
Sundar defended the team’s batting against spin, asserting that the players are adept at playing in such conditions, given their extensive experience in domestic and international cricket. He also mentioned the tactical adjustments the team has made following input from new head coach Gautam Gambhir, who is renowned for his proficiency against spin.
“We are quality players of spin. We’ve always played in these kinds of wickets, even at home, in Test matches, and in different formats,” Sundar said. “Even domestic cricket, we play a lot of games in such wickets. And we know a lot of our players have done really well, especially in the middle order, batting against spin. So it’s just a matter of finding a way, their own individual self and trying to get the job done.”
Sundar, who has previously delivered a match-winning performance in a T20I against Sri Lanka, expressed his eagerness to capitalize on opportunities to contribute to the team, particularly with the bat during crucial moments of the game.
“I am someone who works hard and tries to find ways to be successful and to be an asset to the team,” Sundar said. “That way when I was thinking about my bowling, I had to do certain things, slightly different, not huge changes, but just to add a couple of more things and do certain things more often and more efficiently.”
