Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar received the ‘Impact Player of the Series’ award after the team’s 2-1 win in the T20 series in Australia. Sundar was seen smiling as Team Operations Manager (COO) Rahil Khaja presented him the award in a video titled ‘Dressing Room BTS’ posted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Sunday.
“It’s amazing to be here and get a chance to play in Australia. I’m very happy to contribute to the team’s victory,” the 26-year-old said after receiving the Impact Player of the Series award.
Washington Sundar’s performance in the series
Sundar’s performance during India’s T20 International series win proved his worth to the team. However, in the third T20 International in Hobart, Sundar was not used as a bowler and was promoted up the batting order. In this, he played a match-winning inning of 49 runs in 23 balls with the help of four sixes and three fours and helped India win by five wickets, leveling the series 1-1. Then in the fourth match, he was not given the ball till the last overs, but he took three wickets in two overs and five balls to demolish Australia, helping India win by 48 runs.
India win by 2-1
The win ultimately helped the Suryakumar Yadav-led side win the series 2-1 after the fifth match at the Gabba was washed out due to rain on Saturday. Sundar praised the contribution of the team’s COO Khaja, saying, “It feels great to receive this medal from him. We know how hard he (Khaja) works every day to make many of our tasks easier.” An emotional Khaja also shared his happiness. Sundar’s record in 57 T20 Internationals is impressive. His bowling average is just over 22 with an economy rate of less than seven. His batting strike rate is over 134.
Sundar has also proven useful for Team India in Test matches. He has taken 35 wickets in 15 matches, including three four-wicket hauls and one five-wicket haul. He has also scored one century and five half-centuries at an average of 44.76.
The ‘Impact Player of the Series’ is a relatively new accolade introduced by the BCCI to recognize players who make decisive contributions in bilateral series. Indian team veteran Rohit Sharma also received the same award in the last ODI series against Australia in October.