Washington Sundar (born on October 5, 1999, making his age 25 years as of April 7, 2025) has rapidly emerged as a significant all-round talent in Indian cricket. Known for his composed left-handed batting and economical right-arm off-spin bowling, Washington has carved a niche for himself in domestic leagues, the Indian Premier League (IPL), and the international arena. This comprehensive biography delves into his journey, statistics, achievements, and personal life, providing a user-friendly understanding of this promising cricketer.
Washington Sundar Early Life and Background
Born and raised in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Washington’s connection to cricket runs deep. His father, M. Sundar, was a cricketer himself, having played at the Ranji Trophy level for Tamil Nadu. The name “Washington” carries a special significance, as it was bestowed upon him by his father in honor of his godfather, P.D. Washington, who provided crucial support to M. Sundar’s cricketing aspirations. Cricket is truly a family affair for Washington, as his elder sister, Shailaja Sundar, is also a professional cricketer.
His formative years saw him excel both in academics and sports. He received his early education at St. Bede’s Anglo Indian Higher Secondary School in Chennai, a renowned institution that has produced several notable cricketers. He later pursued and completed an undergraduate degree from the Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science, Chennai, showcasing his commitment to education alongside his sporting pursuits.
Domestic Cricket Career of Washington Sundar: The Foundation
Washington Sundar’s journey into professional cricket began with his impressive performances in domestic cricket for Tamil Nadu. He made his first-class debut in the prestigious Ranji Trophy on October 6, 2016. This marked the beginning of his ascent in the domestic circuit.
His talent quickly shone through, and in October 2017, he notched up his maiden first-class century, a significant milestone, against Tripura. This innings demonstrated his potential as a reliable batsman.
Before his senior debut, Washington also represented India at the junior level, being a part of the India Under-19 team that participated in the 2016 Under-19 World Cup. This exposure to international age-group cricket provided him with valuable experience and insights.
Washington Sundar IPL Journey 2025
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has played a pivotal role in Washington Sundar’s rise to prominence. He made his IPL debut in 2017 for the Rising Pune Supergiant as a replacement for the experienced Ravichandran Ashwin. His impact was immediate and significant. In the first qualifier of the 2017 season, he was awarded the Player of the Match for his exceptional bowling performance, taking 3 crucial wickets for just 16 runs.
His stellar performance in the 2017 IPL season brought him into the limelight. Notably, in the 2017 Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL), he showcased his all-round abilities by becoming the top scorer of the tournament with an impressive 459 runs while also picking up 15 wickets.
Recognizing his potential, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) acquired his services in the 2018 IPL auction. He became an integral part of the RCB setup and played for them until the 2021 season. During his time with RCB, he further honed his skills and gained valuable experience playing alongside some of the biggest names in world cricket.
In the 2022 IPL Auction, Sunrisers Hyderabad secured his services for a significant sum, highlighting his growing reputation as a valuable all-rounder. However, after the 2024 season, he was released by the Hyderabad franchise.
For the 2025 IPL season, Washington Sundar will be donning the jersey of the Gujarat Titans. The franchise acquired him for a sum of INR 3.2 Crore in the recent auction, indicating their faith in his abilities and the role he can play in their campaign.
Washington Sundar Stats (as of April 7, 2025):
Here’s a summary of Washington Sundar’s key statistics across different formats:
| Format | Matches | Innings Batted | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 9 | 16 | 468 | 96* | 42.55 | 25 |
| ODI | 23 | 15 | 329 | 51 | 23.50 | 24 |
| T20I | 54 | 22 | 193 | 50 | 13.79 | 48 |
| First-class | 27 | 42 | 1133 | 159 | 29.81 | 59 |
| IPL | 60 | 40 | 378 | 40 | 13.50 | 37 |
| Best Bowling | Average | Economy Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 7/59 | 25.64 | 3.28 |
| 3/30 | 27.88 | 4.85 |
| 3/15 | 23.50 | 6.94 |
| 6/87 | 27.89 | 2.83 |
| 3/16 | 35.81 | 7.54 |
Note: The ‘*’ symbol next to the highest score indicates an unbeaten innings.
Washington Sundar International Career
Washington Sundar‘s consistent performances in domestic cricket and the IPL earned him a call-up to the Indian national team. He made his One 1 Day International (ODI) debut on December 13, 2017, against Sri Lanka in Mohali.
His Twenty20 International (T20I) debut followed shortly after, also against Sri Lanka, on December 24, 2017. This debut was particularly memorable as, at the age of 18 years and 80 days, he became the youngest player to debut for India in T20Is at that time, a testament to his early talent and maturity.
In the 2018 Nidahas Trophy, a tri-nation T20I series involving India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, Washington Sundar played a pivotal role in India’s triumph. His economical bowling throughout the tournament earned him the Man of the Series award, as he picked up 8 crucial wickets.
The pinnacle of his international career thus far came with his Test debut on January 15, 2021, against Australia at the iconic Gabba in Brisbane. This Test match was historic for India, and Washington played a crucial role in India’s remarkable series-clinching victory. He showcased his batting prowess by scoring a vital 62 runs in the first innings and contributed with both bat and ball throughout the match, demonstrating his temperament and skill on the biggest stage.
In the second Test against New Zealand in Pune in October 2024, Washington achieved a significant milestone in his Test career. He claimed his maiden 10-wicket haul in Test cricket, taking a career-best 7 wickets for 59 runs in the first innings. This performance solidified his position as a genuine all-rounder capable of influencing Test matches with both his batting and bowling.
Most recently, Washington Sundar was a part of the Indian squad that emerged victorious in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. While his individual contributions might have varied throughout the tournament, being part of a winning ICC campaign adds a significant feather to his cap.
Washington Sundar Playing Style and Strengths: The All-Round Asset
Washington Sundar is a modern-day all-rounder who brings a unique dimension to any team he plays for. His key strengths include:
- Economical Off-Spin Bowling: He is known for his tight and accurate off-spin bowling, capable of bowling effectively in various phases of the game, including the crucial powerplay overs in limited-overs cricket. His ability to restrict runs and pick up wickets makes him a valuable asset.
- Handy Left-Handed Batting: While primarily known for his bowling initially, Washington has developed into a reliable left-handed batsman. He possesses a calm and composed temperament at the crease and is capable of contributing crucial runs in the middle and lower order. He can adapt his batting according to the situation, playing aggressively when needed and holding up an end when required.
- Astute Game Reading and Planning: He is known for his intelligent approach to the game, both with bat and ball. He reads the game situation well and executes his plans meticulously.
- Good Fielding Abilities: Washington is also a capable fielder, adding another dimension to his all-round abilities.
Personal Life:
While Washington Sundar is focused on his cricketing career, details about his personal life, particularly regarding his wife, are not widely publicized. As of April 7, 2025, there is no publicly available information confirming that Washington Sundar is married. He maintains a relatively private personal life, and his social media presence is primarily centered around his professional endeavors. His height is approximately 6 feet 0 inches (183 cm). The jersey number he often wears for India in ODIs and T20Is is 3.
Washington Sundar Wife
As of April 7, 2025, Washington Sundar’s relationship status is unmarried.
Washington Sundar Dates Joined
To provide a clearer timeline of his career:
- First-Class Debut: October 6, 2016 (for Tamil Nadu)
- IPL Debut: 2017 (for Rising Pune Supergiant)
- ODI Debut: December 13, 2017 (for India vs. Sri Lanka)
- T20I Debut: December 24, 2017 (for India vs. Sri Lanka)
- Test Debut: January 15, 2021 (for India vs. Australia)
- Joined Gujarat Titans (IPL): For the 2025 season
Washington Sundar Net Worth 2025
Estimating the exact net worth of a cricketer can be challenging as it involves various factors such as salary from cricket boards, IPL contracts, endorsements, and other investments. However, based on his consistent presence in the IPL, his contracts with the Indian national team, and potential endorsements, Washington Sundar’s net worth is estimated to be in the range of INR 15-20 Crore (approximately USD 2-2.7 million) as of 2025. This is an estimated figure and may vary.
Washington Sundar A Promising Future
Washington Sundar has established himself as a valuable all-rounder in a relatively short span of time. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball, coupled with his calm demeanor and tactical awareness, makes him a sought-after player in all formats of the game. As he continues to gain experience and hone his skills, Washington Sundar has the potential to become a mainstay in the Indian cricket team and achieve greater heights in his career. His journey from a promising junior cricketer to an international all-rounder is an inspiring one, and fans will be eagerly watching his contributions in the upcoming IPL 2025 season with the Gujarat Titans and beyond.
