Washington Sundar is one of India’s most intriguing all-round cricketers — a player whose calm temperament, technical skills, and multi-dimensional cricketing ability have made him a regular feature across formats. Known for his sharp off-spin bowling and useful lower-order batting, Sundar has carved a unique niche in Indian cricket. As of early 2026, he is 26 years old and continues to be a key contributor for India in international cricket, IPL franchises, and domestic competitions.
In this detailed biography, we explore his early life, family background, rise through the ranks, career statistics across formats, significant achievements, playing style, challenges faced, recent injury updates, and future prospects — providing a complete picture of the all-rounder’s journey.
Early Life and Family Background
Washington Sundar was born on October 5, 1999, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. His early years were influenced heavily by his family’s support and love for the sport, which laid the foundation for his cricketing pursuits. Coming from a middle-class family, Sundar learned discipline and perseverance from a young age — qualities that would later define his professional cricket career.
His father was instrumental in nurturing his passion for cricket, often encouraging him to work on both batting and bowling — a dual skill that would later make him a valuable all-rounder. This balanced emphasis through his formative years allowed Sundar to become adaptable, a trait that remains central to his cricketing identity.
Early Cricket Journey and Domestic Debut
Sundar’s cricketing journey began in Tamil Nadu’s age-group circuits, where he displayed promise both with the bat and ball. His performances in Under-19 cricket caught the attention of national selectors, and it wasn’t long before he was drafted into domestic senior levels, representing Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and other premier domestic tournaments.
By performing consistently in domestic cricket, he began to attract attention from IPL franchises — a platform that would soon launch his global cricketing career.
IPL Beginnings and Franchise Career
Washington Sundar made his IPL debut in 2017, selected by the Rising Pune Supergiants as a replacement player — a move that gave him his first taste of high-pressure T20 cricket. His early impact was immediate: in a crucial playoff match that season, Sundar was named Player of the Match after taking key wickets, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
Over the years, he played for several IPL teams:
- Royal Challengers Bangalore (2018–2021)
- Sunrisers Hyderabad (2022–2024)
- Gujarat Titans (from 2025 onward)
In the 2025 IPL season, Sundar was acquired by Gujarat Titans for ₹3.2 crore, reflecting his sustained value in the league’s dynamic T20 environment.
His IPL career statistics include 66 matches, over 500 runs scored, and close to 40 wickets taken, highlighting his dual-role contribution in the format. While his batting averages have fluctuated, his effectiveness as a supporting bowler and lower-order hitter has been recognized across seasons.
International Debut and Early Success
Sundar broke into international cricket at a young age, making his T20I debut on December 24, 2017, against Sri Lanka. This made him one of the youngest Indian players to debut for India in T20Is at just 18 years and 80 days.
Soon after, he also made his ODI debut in December 2017 versus Sri Lanka, marking his arrival as a promising spin-bowling all-rounder.
From the outset, Sundar demonstrated his ability to handle international cricket’s demands, adjusting quickly to different match situations and formats.
Test Cricket and Memorable Performances
The year 2021 marked a significant phase in Sundar’s career when he made his Test debut against Australia at The Gabba in Brisbane. This was a defining tournament for India, and Sundar’s contributions with both bat and ball were pivotal in India’s historic Test victory on Australian soil.
One of the most iconic performances of his career came in England in 2025, during the Test series at Old Trafford. Batting with grit and resilience, Sundar scored his maiden Test century — an unbeaten 101 — in a match-saving partnership. His knock drew acclaim from fans and experts alike and underscored his temperament and technical maturity at the highest level of the game.
As of late 2025, Sundar has played 17 Test matches, scoring 885 runs and taking 36 wickets, highlighting his all-round contribution in the longest format. His best bowling figures stand at 7/59, and his performances in Tests have often been match-impacting.
White-Ball Career: ODI and T20I Highlights
In One Day Internationals (ODIs), Sundar has been a useful contributor with both bat and ball. By early 2026, he had played 28 ODIs, scoring 372+ runs and picking up wickets, with a best bowling figure of 3/30 and a top score of 51. These all-round displays have added depth to India’s squad balance.
In T20 Internationals, Sundar has featured in 58 matches, scoring 254 runs and taking useful bowling figures, including best figures of 3/3 — an indication of his capacity to provide breakthroughs in tight situations. His T20I top score of 50 demonstrates his ability to perform under pressure in the shortest format of the game.
One of the high points in his T20I career came during India’s 2025 tour of Australia, where his all-round consistency helped India clinch the series, and he was honored as the Impact Player of the Series. This award recognized his valuable contributions across matches, especially in crucial phases.
Playing Style and Cricketing Strengths
Washington Sundar’s unique value lies in his dual role as both a bowler and batsman. His off-spin bowling is characterized by disciplined lines, subtle variations, and tactical intelligence, enabling him to restrict scoring runs and pick up crucial wickets. His height and bowling mechanics often allow him to extract bounce and confusion from batsmen.
With the bat, Sundar is a left-handed lower-order hitter capable of steadying innings or accelerating when needed. His Test century and several valuable lower-order contributions highlight his ability to adapt his game depending on match situations.
His cricketing brain and temperament make him especially suited for formats that reward strategic bowling and adaptable batting — traits highly valued in international and franchise cricket.
Mental Conditioning and Professional Development
In recent years, Sundar has invested in mental conditioning and psychological training, adopting techniques such as quantum breathing and hypnotherapy to enhance focus under pressure, especially in high-stakes international matches. This modern approach reflects how professional athletes now integrate mental fitness alongside physical training to improve consistency and performance.
His commitment to mental strength training shows a keen understanding that cricket — especially at the international level — requires resilience, emotional balance, and the ability to cope with stress effectively.
Recent Injury Setback (2026 Update)
In January 2026, Sundar suffered a rib injury during the opening ODI against New Zealand. Discomfort in his left lower rib area forced him off the field during bowling, and although he showed courage by later batting, the injury ruled him out of the remainder of the series.
This setback arrives at a critical time as India prepares for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka starting February 7, 2026. The injury also casts uncertainty over his availability for the five-match T20I series that follows.
His replacement in the ODI series, Ayush Badoni, has been called up to fill the squad gap — a reminder of the competitive nature of national selection and the challenges players face in maintaining fitness ahead of major tournaments.
Off-Field Life: Endorsements & Net Worth
Off the pitch, Washington Sundar has built a solid brand presence with several endorsement deals including Puma, Anker Innovations, SG, and TCL. These contribute significantly to his income alongside his BCCI central contract and IPL salary.
As of 2025, his estimated net worth is around $4 million (≈ ₹32 crore). His IPL earnings have grown over time, including a reported ₹8.75 crore contract with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2024, underlining his commercial value as a cricketer.
Sundar also enjoys modern lifestyle perks, including luxury cars such as a Mercedes SUV and a Mahindra Thar — the latter reportedly gifted by business magnate Anand Mahindra in recognition of his cricketing success.
Legacy and Future Prospects
Despite a relatively short international career so far, Sundar’s contributions have left a strong impression. His ability to perform in important situations — whether steady lower-order runs, tactical bowling in tight phases, or crucial Test partnerships — establishes him as a valuable all-round asset for Indian cricket.
Veteran voices in cricket, including former head coach Ravi Shastri, have emphasized Sundar’s potential to become a key all-rounder for India over the long term, especially under thoughtful mentorship from current coaching leadership.
Looking ahead, if Sundar can maintain fitness and capitalize on key opportunities — especially in the T20 World Cup and future Test tours — his role in Indian cricket could become even more prominent.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who is Washington Sundar?
Washington Sundar is an Indian international cricketer known for his off-spin bowling and all-round abilities. He represents India in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is and plays domestic cricket for Tamil Nadu.
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What is Washington Sundar’s age?
Washington Sundar was born on October 5, 1999, making him 26 years old as of 2026.
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Which IPL teams has Washington Sundar played for?
Washington Sundar has played for:
- Rising Pune Supergiants
- Royal Challengers Bangalore
- Sunrisers Hyderabad
- Gujarat Titans (latest)
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What is Washington Sundar famous for?
He is famous for his disciplined off-spin bowling, calm temperament, and ability to contribute valuable runs as a lower-order batsman in all formats.
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When did Washington Sundar make his international debut?
Washington Sundar made his T20I and ODI debut in December 2017 against Sri Lanka, becoming one of India’s youngest debutants.
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What is Washington Sundar’s biggest achievement in Test cricket?
One of his biggest achievements is scoring a match-saving Test century and playing a key role in India’s historic overseas Test victories.
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Is Washington Sundar an all-rounder?
Yes, Washington Sundar is a bowling all-rounder who contributes with off-spin bowling and left-hand batting.
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What injury did Washington Sundar recently suffer?
In early 2026, Washington Sundar suffered a rib injury, which ruled him out of parts of India’s series against New Zealand.
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What is Washington Sundar’s net worth?
As of 2025, Washington Sundar’s estimated net worth is around ₹30–35 crore, earned through BCCI contracts, IPL salaries, and brand endorsements.
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What is Washington Sundar’s role in the Indian team?
He provides balance to the Indian squad as a spin-bowling all-rounder, especially valuable in overseas conditions and limited-overs formats.
Conclusion
Washington Sundar’s story is one of perseverance, balance, and adaptability. From his early days in Chennai’s domestic circuits to standout Test performances, impactful T20 displays, and international recognition, he embodies the modern cricket all-rounder.
While injuries and competition continue to pose challenges, his skillset and continued development make him a player to watch — someone who can shape match outcomes and provide India with strategic depth across formats.
As fans and analysts alike look forward to his recovery and upcoming contributions, Sundar’s journey remains a compelling chapter in India’s cricket narrative — a blend of talent, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
