Tamil Nadu all-rounder Washington Sundar has two first-class hundred to his name. The first one came as an opener against Tripura in 2017, while he notched up his second ton at No. 3 in a recent Ranji Trophy match against Delhi on Saturday (October 19).
After his 152-run knock at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Sundar is hoping to continue batting in the top order.
"Definitely yes," Sundar said when asked if he would like to continue batting in the top order, as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.
"I have been feeling very confident about my skills and how I have been batting in the last few years especially. I have just been trying to focus on what the team demands me to do, no matter what the situation is. But batting at the top of the order is a lot of fun."
Sundar started his career as an opening batter. In his maiden Ranji Trophy season in 2016-17, the southpaw opened the innings in all five matches. No wonder, he always considered himself a top-order batter.
"It was a decision by the management, and I am grateful for the opportunity," Sundar said.
"I knew it was going to be a good opportunity for me to bat at No. 3, and I am glad I was able to contribute. I definitely consider myself a top-order batter. I'm very happy with the kind of opportunity I got to bat at No. 3. For me, one thing is very important - I need to be able to do whatever the team demands.
"It is a team game. That is what I always think about. Hopefully, I can deliver such knocks consistently."
Washington Sundar has represented India in 22 ODIs and 52 T20Is so far. However, the 25-year-old has received only four chances in Test cricket, with the last one coming in March 2021.
Sundar acknowledged that Test is the ultimate format and he hopes to get many more opportunities in red-ball cricket going forward.
"You have to do whatever you need to do to be able to switch formats, especially in white-ball, but as elite cricketers, we are very grateful to be having these kinds of challenges," the all-rounder said.
"It is all about getting past these challenges. When we come out successful from these challenges, it is very exciting. Obviously, Test cricket is the ultimate format. Everybody values it a lot. For me, red-ball cricket means a lot. Hopefully, I can play a lot of games and keep performing really well."
