How Did Sundar Earn the Impact Player of the Series Medal in Australia?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Washington Sundar awarded Impact Player of the Series.
- Crucial contributions in T20I series against Australia.
- India won the series 2-1 despite challenges.
- Next challenge: Multi-format series against South Africa.
- Upcoming T20 World Cup is a focus for the Indian team.
New Delhi, Nov 9 (NationPress) Washington Sundar has been awarded the 'Impact Player of the Series' for his exceptional all-round performance in India's recent T20I series triumph against Australia.
After the first T20I was canceled due to rain, the Australian team took an early lead in the series with a four-wicket victory in the second match. Nevertheless, the Indian team rebounded in the following two games, clinching victories in the third and fourth matches by five wickets and 48 runs, respectively, before the last T20I was also washed out, ending the series with India leading 2-1.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared a behind-the-scenes clip from the dressing room captioned, “He stood up to every challenge with composure and consistency.” Team operations manager Rahil Khaja presented Sundar with this prestigious award.
"It’s incredible to come here and seize the opportunity to play in Australia, and contributing to the team's success certainly makes me very happy," expressed the 26-year-old all-rounder after receiving the medal.
He further recognized Khaja's role in the team's success, stating, "Receiving this medal from him is such a wonderful feeling. We appreciate the hard work he (Khaja) puts in daily to facilitate many of our tasks seamlessly," he added.
Sundar made a significant impact by scoring an unbeaten 49 in the five-wicket win during the third T20I and recorded impressive bowling stats of 3-3 in just 2.5 overs in the fourth match.
India's next challenge will be against South Africa in a multi-format series starting November 14, consisting of two Tests, three ODIs, and five T20Is.
The upcoming T20Is will be pivotal as the team management aims to assemble a robust squad to defend their T20 World Cup title on home soil.
This grand event, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, is set to kick off on February 7, with the final match scheduled for March 8.