CHENNAI: October 15 will remain a memorable day for Washington Sundar, who scored his maiden firstclass century in front of his home crowd at MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday. The left-handed batsman’s unbeaten 156 off 233 balls helped Tamil Nadu bag a 74-run lead on the second day of their Ranji Trophy match against Tripura. Tamil Nadu were 332/2 in reply to Tripura’s 258. For Washington, whose stock has risen since the last IPL where he played for the Pune franchise, added to his reputation of being one of the most talented youngsters in the country with a gem of an innings.
Watched by his father and mentor M Sundar from the pavilion terrace, Washington made full use of the opportunity to open the innings in the absence of Murali Vijay. “Obviously it feels good to get a hundred. I got an opportunity to open the innings. I really wanted to make use of the opportunity and I am glad I did that,” said Washington, who had a highest of 88 in seven first-class matches before this one. That one was his only 50-plus knock. Fresh from his Duleep Trophy experience, where he was Man of the Match in the final, the 18-year old was in his element.
He was sure of his defence, excelled in stroke play, was quick on his feet and never for a moment looked in trouble against the Tripura attack. “It was an absolutely brilliant effort by Washington. He played with a lot of responsibility and panache. This (century) will do a lot of good to his confidence and help him perform to potential in the days ahead,” complimented D Girish, a member of the senior selection committee. Despite being on the field for two days, Washington looked fresh at the end of the day and even in the final overs, managed to take quick singles and twos.
Where does he derive this stamina from? “Especially in Chepauk, it’s very difficult (to maintain stamina). But play a long innings or play an entire day, it’s all in your head and in your mind. I am mentally a strong person, so I can stand there even for four days. Physically also, I think I am strong,” said Washington, who took two for 40 with his off-spinners in the Tripura innings. Does he relish playing the new ball? “Yes, I am an opening batsman and enjoy opening the innings for whichever team I play for. But wherever the team wants me to play, I should be ready. I believe in being good enough to contribute wherever I may play or whatever role I may be given,” he said, adding he paced his innings as one would do in the four-day scheme of things. In the morning, Tripura were all out, adding just 14 to their overnight score of 244/7.
Day’s wrap
Group A: In Mysuru: Assam 145 vs Karnataka 427/6 in 115 ovs (R Samarth 123, K Gowtham 147 no; Arup Das 3/101,Swarupam Purkayastha 3/80). In Hyderabad: Hyderabad vs Uttar Pradesh (Day 2 washed out).
Group B: In Nadiad: Kerala 208 vs Gujarat 307/9 in 106 ovs (Samit Gohel 69, Chirag Gandhi 91 no; MD Nidheesh 3/58, Jalaj Saxena 3/95).
Group C: In Chennai: Tripura 258 in 96.1 ovs (K Vignesh 4/41) vs Tamil Nadu 332/2 in 81 ovs (Washington Sundar 156 no, Abhinav Mukund 76, Baba Indrajith 73 no). In Vadodara: Baroda 373 in 128 ovs (Swapnil Singh 88, Atit Sheth 70 no; B Ayyappa 4/69) vs Andhra 190/2 in 46 ovs (Hanuma Vihari
71 no, Ricky Bhui 53 no).
ashok.v@newindianexpress.com