Shortly after India pulled off a historic six-run win at The Oval to degree the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2-2, a particular second unfolded within the dressing room. The second mirrored each the grit and unity of this new-look Indian aspect. Because the gamers celebrated their dramatic triumph, Ravindra Jadeja stood up and known as out, “Washi, come right here and take it son.” The ‘it’ in query was the ‘Influence Participant of the Collection’ medal, awarded by his co-stars to Washington Sundar for his all-round brilliance throughout the 4 Checks he performed in England. The medal, handed over by Ravindra Jadeja in a video posted by BCCI.TV, was a nod from the group to a participant whose resilience proved pivotal in India’s comeback.

“Clearly a fantastic feeling to be enjoying 4 video games on a trot in a spot like England. All the time wished to do properly right here,” stated Sundar, addressing his teammates. “As a group, simply the way in which we went about each single day, it was wonderful. The power we created, particularly from a fielding perspective. We had been all the time there for one another.”

Sundar didn’t function within the opening Check at Headingley however was drafted in from the second match onwards and didn’t miss a beat. He delivered important contributions with each bat and ball, together with a match-turning 53 off 46 deliveries within the fifth Check, the place he shared a last-wicket stand of 39 with Prasidh Krishna. That knock, below immense strain, helped India put up a goal that proved simply sufficient, with England falling agonisingly quick by six runs of their chase. Sundar additionally picked up seven wickets in the course of the sequence. His performances stood out in a sequence dominated by excessive particular person scores and tense finishes. However extra than simply numbers, it was Sundar’s temperament in strain moments that left a long-lasting impression.

For a aspect navigating a transition, Sundar’s emergence as a reliable all-round possibility offered a serious enhance.