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Washington Sundar’s inclusion in the fourth Test: Will he make a significant impact for India?

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2 years ago

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Washington Sundar

Washington Sundar has been thrust into the spotlight once again as he made his return to India’s playing XI for the fourth Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His inclusion, which came at the expense of Shubman Gill, has sparked a flurry of discussions, both on social media and among cricket experts, about his role in the team, his credentials as an all-rounder, and what his performance will mean for India’s chances in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Sundar, who has previously impressed with his all-round abilities, has had a tumultuous journey with the Indian cricket team, especially in the Test format. Known for his ability to bowl tight off-spin and contribute with the bat, Sundar’s most memorable performance came in India’s historic win over Australia in the 2020-21 series. However, it is his return to the Test squad for this high-profile series that has gotten the cricket world talking.

His inclusion comes in the wake of Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement from limited-overs cricket and his exclusion from the playing XI in the first few Tests of the series. With Ashwin’s absence, Sundar was given an opportunity to step into the spin department alongside Ravindra Jadeja, especially after a stellar performance against New Zealand earlier this year. Sundar claimed seven wickets in a single innings during that match, putting in a performance that elevated his reputation as a reliable bowling option. This made his re-entry into the squad even more anticipated, with many hoping for him to make an immediate impact.

However, while Sundar’s return has been welcomed by many, not all are convinced about his role as an all-rounder in the traditional sense. Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar, known for his insightful commentary, expressed his doubts over Sundar’s credentials as an all-rounder, suggesting that the young player’s contributions with the bat and ball have not always been consistent enough to fulfill the high expectations that come with such a role. Manjrekar also included Nitish Reddy in his criticism, questioning whether both players could truly fulfill the versatile role needed in modern Test cricket.

For Sundar, however, his performance will likely speak louder than any criticism. The pressure on him to perform in a Test series as crucial as this one against Australia is immense, and many eyes will be on him to prove his worth. With the likes of Marnus Labuschagne, Usman Khawaja, and Steve Smith in Australia’s formidable lineup, Sundar’s ability to deliver with the ball could be pivotal in the context of the game.

Despite the debate, Sundar’s skills as a bowler have been widely recognized. His calm demeanor and knack for bowling tight lines have helped him earn the confidence of the Indian team management. What sets him apart is his maturity at a young age, especially in pressure situations. Though his batting has not always been as consistent as his bowling, his ability to contribute with the bat adds another dimension to his utility in the team.

The 24-year-old has made his way through the ranks, and this series offers him another chance to prove his mettle. His role in the ongoing series could prove vital, particularly in India’s bid to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. If Sundar can deliver with both bat and ball, he could become a regular feature in the Indian Test team, solidifying his position as a key all-rounder in the squad.

With the series tied and both teams fighting hard for supremacy, Sundar’s performance could be a game-changer for India. His return is symbolic not just of the changes in the Indian squad but of the continued shift towards integrating youth and fresh talent into the team. As the series progresses, all eyes will be on Sundar, who now faces the challenge of turning potential into performance and answering the critics who have questioned his place in the Test team.

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Asian Games 2026: Gurindervir Singh, Animesh Kujur lead India athletics campaign

Animesh Kujur and Gurindervir Singh advanced to the men’s 100m semifinals after finishing third and second respectively in their heats at the Asian Games.

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37 mins ago

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September 24, 2026

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India will have two representatives in the men’s 100m semifinals at the 2026 Asian Games after Animesh Kujur and national record holder Gurindervir Singh progressed from their respective heats on Thursday.

Kujur secured third place in Heat 1 with a timing of 10.36 seconds, while Gurindervir finished second in Heat 4 after clocking 10.38 seconds. Both sprinters therefore moved into the next round of the competition.

The heats were held at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium as part of the athletics programme at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

Animesh Kujur finishes third in Heat 1

Kujur produced a strong finish in his opening-round heat to register 10.36 seconds and take third place.

His performance was enough to secure his progression to the men’s 100m semifinals, giving India a second representative in the next stage of the event.

Gurindervir Singh advances from Heat 4

Gurindervir Singh also booked his semifinal spot after finishing second in Heat 4 with a time of 10.38 seconds.

The Indian sprinter, who holds the national record in the men’s 100m, thus joined Kujur in the semifinal round.

With both Indians progressing from their respective heats, India will have two athletes competing in the men’s 100m semifinals at the Asian Games.

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Asian Games 2026 Day 4: Mirabai Chanu silver leads India’s medal haul

India ended Day 4 of the Asian Games 2026 with 12 medals. Mirabai Chanu’s silver in women’s 49kg weightlifting was among the day’s major highlights.

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1 day ago

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September 23, 2026

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Mirabai Chanu

India continued its medal-winning campaign at the Asian Games 2026 on Wednesday, September 23, with a strong showing across shooting, weightlifting, soft tennis, badminton and wushu.

The highlight of Day 4 was Mirabai Chanu’s silver medal in the women’s 49kg weightlifting event. The medal was Chanu’s first at the Asian Games and ended India’s 28-year wait for a weightlifting medal at the continental event.

India also secured bronze medals in the men’s and women’s team skeet events and another bronze through Jay Meena in men’s singles soft tennis. The Indian men’s badminton team also secured a bronze medal after reaching the semi-finals.

By the end of Day 4, India’s tally stood at 12 medals — one gold, five silver and six bronze. India was placed 13th in the overall medal standings.

Mirabai Chanu wins historic Asian Games silver

Mirabai Chanu produced one of India’s biggest moments of the day by winning silver in the women’s 49kg weightlifting competition.

The medal was Chanu’s first-ever at the Asian Games. Her performance also brought India its first weightlifting medal at the Games since Karnam Malleswari won silver at the 1998 Bangkok Asian Games.

North Korea’s Ri Song Gum won the gold after successfully lifting 121kg in the clean and jerk, setting a new Asian Games record in the process.

Chanu’s silver added another medal to India’s growing tally on Day 4.

India wins two bronze medals in skeet shooting

India added two bronze medals in shooting through the men’s and women’s team skeet events.

In the men’s competition, Anantjeet Singh Naruka also reached the individual final, although India missed out on a medal in that individual event.

The women’s shooting team also narrowly missed a medal in the 10m air pistol team event. India finished level with Vietnam on the overall score, but Vietnam took the bronze on the inner-10 countback.

Manu Bhaker qualified for the women’s 10m air pistol final, while India missed out on a team medal in the event.

Jay Meena creates history in soft tennis

Jay Meena won a bronze medal in men’s singles soft tennis, giving India its first-ever Asian Games medal in the sport.

Meena reached the semi-finals but was dealing with an injury during the knockout stage. His bronze added to India’s medal tally on Day 4.

Indian men’s badminton team secures bronze

India’s men’s badminton team ended its Asian Games campaign with a bronze medal after reaching the semi-finals.

The team faced China in the semi-final. India’s campaign therefore ended with a podium finish despite the loss at the final stage.

Roshibina Devi assures India another medal

India was also guaranteed another medal in wushu after Naorem Roshibina Devi advanced to the women’s 60kg final.

Roshibina defeated Indonesia’s Thania Kusumaningtyas 10-0 in the semi-final to book her place in the final. Her progress guaranteed India at least a silver medal in the event.

India women’s hockey team records big win

The Indian women’s hockey team also registered a commanding victory on Day 4, defeating Thailand 20-1.

The result was among India’s notable performances across team sports during the day’s competition.

Asian Games 2026 India medal tally after Day 4

India finished Day 4 with 12 medals:

MedalCount
Gold1
Silver5
Bronze6
Total12

India’s only gold so far has come from the women’s cricket team. Shooting has contributed seven medals, while weightlifting and soft tennis have also added to the country’s tally.

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Asian Games 2026: India win first gold as women’s cricket team beats Sri Lanka

India won its first gold medal at the Asian Games 2026 after the women’s cricket team defeated Sri Lanka in the T20I final, taking the country’s medal tally to seven.

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2 days ago

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September 22, 2026

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India opened its gold medal account at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya after the women’s cricket team defeated Sri Lanka in the T20I final on Tuesday.

The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side produced a dominant performance to win the final and claim India’s first gold medal of the Games. India set Sri Lanka a target of 217 runs before bowling them out for 69.

The victory took India’s medal tally to seven, adding a gold to the six medals secured during the opening days of the competition.

India assure another medal in badminton

India also secured another medal opportunity in men’s team badminton after defeating hosts Japan 3-0 in the quarter-final.

Ayush Shetty completed the victory by beating Japan’s Koki Watanabe 21-10, 21-19, sending India into the semifinals and assuring the country of at least a medal in the event.

Earlier, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty defeated Japan’s Takuro Hoki and Yugo Kobayashi to give India a 2-0 lead in the tie.

Roshibina Devi assures India another medal

India also secured a medal in wushu after Roshibina Devi reached the women’s 60kg semi-finals.

Roshibina defeated Macao’s Man Sin Chu by point difference to book her place in the last four.

However, India’s Aryan was knocked out in the men’s 56kg quarter-final after losing to Uzbekistan’s Saydullo Abdurashitov.

India miss shooting medal

India’s Elavenil Valarivan and Parth Mane finished fourth in the 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team final after earlier qualifying second for the gold medal match.

The pair therefore missed out on a podium finish in the event.

More results from Day 3

Indian boxer Jadumani Singh advanced to the men’s 55kg Round of 16 after defeating Nepal’s Chandra Bahadur Thapa 5-0.

In artistic gymnastics, Pranati Nayak qualified for the women’s vault final with a score of 12.916.

India’s women’s badminton team, meanwhile, exited the competition after losing 1-3 to hosts Japan in the quarter-finals.

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