India clawed their way back from the brink in the fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series, pulling off a fighting draw against England at Old Trafford on Sunday.
After conceding a mammoth first-innings lead of 311 runs — with England piling up 669 — India responded with resolve, thanks to centuries from Washington Sundar (101*), Ravindra Jadeja (107*), and Shubman Gill (103), along with KL Rahul’s composed 90.
At the heart of this comeback was Washington Sundar, whose unbeaten century not only rescued India from defeat but also revived a simmering debate around his place in the national setup.
“Only My Son Doesn’t Get Chances”: M Sundar’s Scathing Critique
Following Washington’s heroic knock, his father, M Sundar, didn’t mince words in an interview with the Times of India. He lashed out at what he called an unjust and inconsistent selection policy that has failed to give his son a fair run in Indian cricket.
“Washington has been doing very well consistently. However, people tend to avoid and forget his performances,” he said.“Other players get regular chances, only my son doesn't get them. Washington should consistently bat at number five like he did in the second innings of the fourth Test and get five to ten straight chances.”
The senior Sundar recalled Washington’s impressive Test knocks in early 2021 — an unbeaten 85 in Chennai and a 96 not out in Ahmedabad — performances that came under pressure, yet didn’t cement his spot.
“He would have been dropped even if those two knocks had ended up in centuries. Has this kind of an approach been maintained for any other Indian cricketer?” he questioned.
IPL Injustice and Franchise Frustration
The perceived neglect, M Sundar argued, wasn’t limited to international cricket. He brought up Washington’s breakout performance during the 2018 Nidahas Trophy in Sri Lanka, where he was the highest wicket-taker and lauded for his economy rate, but said the momentum was not maintained.
“In the very next IPL season, RCB benched him for 11 straight matches despite good performances. Can you imagine his mentality?”
Washington’s father also cited an example from IPL 2022, where his son blasted a quickfire 40 off 14 for Sunrisers Hyderabad but was demoted in the batting order soon after. He believes the same pattern continues with his current franchise, Gujarat Titans.
“Even his current team don’t give him regular chances. He showcased his calibre in the IPL 2025 Eliminator against Mumbai Indians, smashing 48 off 24 balls.”
A Case for Consistency and Faith
In a broader point, M Sundar compared the treatment of Washington with the longer rope afforded to others.
“Players like Yashasvi Jaiswal have been given long ropes by their franchises, but Washington hasn’t enjoyed similar trust — not even in domestic cricket.”
