Washington Sundar feels finger spinners can be as effective as left-arm and wrist spinners

Washington Sundar looking forward to play under Virat Kohli and Daniel Vettori for RCB in the IPL 2018.

Washington Sundar | Getty Images

Young Indian off-spinner – Washington Sundar, who had a great Nidahas Trophy, on Tuesday, said that he never expected to end up with Man-of-the-Series award.

In the modern era, the wrist spinners are magical weapons for any side as they play a key role in team’s success, but Washington feels that the finger spinners can be as effective as left-arm and wrist spinners.

In November last year, the off-spinner made his international debut in Sri Lanka –the same opponent against which the youngster made his T20 International debut at home in December 2017, and became the youngest player to debut for India in T20Is. However, he played lone ODI for India so far.

During the home series against Sri Lanka, Sundar was praised by many for his economical bowling, and due to which he was selected for the T20I Tri-nation series,  involving Bangladesh as well.

Washington told Times of India, “I had the belief that I would get another opportunity (after the Lanka T20Is at home). I was mentally prepared for everything. But I never expected to end up with the Man-of-the-Series award. I started off well in the first two games and I just wanted to carry forward the momentum. Wrist spinners are magical.”

The 18-year-old lanky spinner further added, “However, I feel finger spinners can be as effective as left-arm and wrist spinners. Most teams prefer left-armers or leg-spinners, especially in the shorter versions. But I feel even off-spinners can be as effective as the other two provided they are proactive. If you can double-guess the batsman and be one up on the mindset every ball, then you can be good. Sometimes, an off-spinners’ classical delivery with a bit of loop and turn might not suit this format. Off-spinners certainly need to do a lot of homework before every game.”

The youngster is also excited to play under the captaincy of Virat Kohli for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018.

The Tamil Nadu spinner further stated, “If people say I have set a standard, and then I should be looking to go higher. I’m really excited to play under Kohli. He is a legend and has been truly inspiring. The challenge will be to overcome all the analysis that’s been done. I have always admired Vettori’s bowling. It will be different working with him - he is a modern-day coach who knows the current generation of cricketers. I’m looking forward to it.”

In the recently concluded Nidahas Trophy, Indian star off-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal was Sundar’s bowling partner and will now partner in the IPL 2018 as well, and he said the combination gives a variety to the attack which will be great for the RCB in the upcoming T20 tournament.

Washington signed off by saying, “It will be exciting to bowl alongside him. Ours is a good combination. He is a leg-spinner and I turn the ball other way. It gives a variety to the attack. We are accurate and have been wicket-takers. If we can take at least four wickets for our team per match, it will great.”

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 20 Mar, 2018

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