IND vs ENG: Sundar credits coach Gambhir for unlocking his batting potential

Washington Sundar credited India head coach Gautam Gambhir for helping him understand his batting better after he scored a half-century in an unbeaten six-wicket win over England in the first ODI at Edgbaston on Tuesday.

Sundar came on at No. 5 after captain Shubman Gill was injured for 80 with India still needing 110 runs to post 259. The all-rounder responded with an unbeaten 52 and shared a match-winning stand of 102 runs with Player of the Match Axar Patel as India took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Batting at different positions has become a familiar challenge for Sundar. He was often used as a finisher in the T20Is, while batting as high as No. 4 in Tests. Against England, he again adapted to the new role and played a key hand in India’s successful chase.

Speaking after the match, the 26-year-old said he relishes the responsibility of adapting to different situations.

“The fact that I play different roles is exciting. Few people can play different roles. I can play these different roles and be in these different situations. Of course I try my best to help the team win. Like I said, it’s exciting to be in different situations and different phases of the game,” Sundar said.

“GAMBHIR AND NEHRA SUPPORTED MY GAME”

Sundar said Gambhir’s support since taking over as India’s head coach in July 2024 has given him more clarity in his batting. He also acknowledged the influence of Gujarat Titans coach Ashish Nehra on his development.

“Gauti bhai always helped me understand what exactly I could do with the bat, especially, and also made me understand my game. Even Ashish Nehra in GT always made sure…he helped me understand myself a lot more, either as a person or as a cricketer as a whole,” Sundar said.

England vs India, 1st ODI: Update

The all-rounder added that regular opportunities and clear communication have helped him grow.

“As an all-rounder, I think it’s really important to keep improving every day, understand your game and of course play according to the situation. Playing a lot of games also helps. You get into those situations, you understand exactly what you can do and you learn a lot.”

“So yeah, I’m so grateful to have people like that who have always believed in my skill sets and also allowed me to understand exactly what I could do with my different skill sets.

AXAR’S CLAP HAS CHANGED THE PRONUNCIATION

Admitting that the Edgbaston pitch was not the easiest to bat on, Sundar praised Axar Patel for keeping the scoreboard moving during their unbroken century partnership.

“There was definitely a bit of a wicket there. Shubman batted really well and that partnership with Shreyas Iyer was very, very important. Obviously, the way Axar played, he got those crucial boundaries every time they were needed and made things look very easy.

“We applied really well and were happy to win it,” Sundar said. Asked if he had any updates on Gill, who retired injured after reaching 80, Sundar said: “I have no idea.”

– The end

Issued by:

Saurabh Kumar

Published on:

15 Jul 2026 10:38 IST