Washington Sundar

Lore & Background

Sundar's inclusion marked a turning point for the Rising Pune Supergiant in their second season. With Ashwin sidelined, Sundar stepped up not just as a bowler but as a match-winner in high-pressure encounters. In Qualifier 1 at the Wankhede Stadium, he dismantled the Mumbai Indians' chase, delivering 3–16 to secure a 20-run victory and a place in the final. His performance was instrumental in dethroning the defending champions en route to the title decider. Though the team fell short in the final by just one run, Sundar's role as a young all-rounder earning his stripes against seasoned veterans cemented his reputation within the franchise.

In Their Own Story

The stage was set for the IPL 2017 final at Hyderabad, with Rising Pune Supergiant facing Mumbai Indians for the fourth time that season. After restricting Mumbai to 129–8, RPS began their chase cautiously. As the required rate climbed, Washington Sundar walked in alongside Steve Smith and Manoj Tiwary after key wickets fell. The tension peaked when only four runs were needed from the last ball. Sundar took a single earlier, then attempted a double but was run out while completing two runs. This moment sealed Mumbai's third title by a single run. Despite the heartbreak, Sundar’s composure throughout the playoffs—especially his 3–16 in Qualifier 1—showcased his ability to perform under extreme pressure.

Reader's Guide

Washington Sundar emerged as a vital asset for Rising Pune Supergiant in 2017, particularly after replacing the injured Ravichandran Ashwin. His slow left-arm orthodox bowling proved effective in tight situations, notably during Qualifier 1 where he took 3–16 against Mumbai Indians. Batting with composure in the lower order, he added crucial runs before being run out in the final chase. His dual skill set made him a tactical favorite for captain Steve Dhoni, who valued adaptability and calmness under pressure. Sundar's seamless integration into the squad as a teenager highlighted his mental strength and technical maturity, making him one of the standout young performers of that season.

Did You Know?

• Washington Sundar replaced Ravichandran Ashwin in the 2017 season due to a sports hernia.
• He took career-best figures of 3–16 in 4 overs during Qualifier 1 against Mumbai Indians.
• Sundar was run out while completing two runs in the final, helping seal Mumbai's victory by just one run.
• His performance in the 2017 playoffs helped Rising Pune Supergiant reach their first and only IPL final.
• He was part of the team that finished second in the points table with 18 points before losing the final.