Washington Sundar was adjudged player-of-the-match. (AFP Photo)

The retirement of Ravindra Jadeja from T20Is has opened up a slot for the role of spin bowling allrounder and Washington Sundar is doing everything in his might to cement his place. Sundar is currently on the tour of Zimbabwe with a young India squad for a five-match series which the tourists lead 2-1.

Sundar’s career has been hindered by injuries, dip in form and stiff competition. He had a forgettable IPL 2024 during which he played just two matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad and took one wicket while failing to contribute with the bat.

Sundar, who bowls offspin, remains in the team management’s radar considering his potential and he was even in the running for a spot in India’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad which ultimately went to Axar Patel.

The Zimbabwe tour presents him with the chance to solidify his credentials.

“I need to be doing where I’m good at and what I’m capable of very well especially with preparation,” Sundar told reporters after his player-of-the-match award winning performance against Zimbabwe in the 3rd T20I.

“I need to be there every single day giving my 100 per cent. And that’s something I’ve not compromised on. And I’ve always been giving 100 per cent in every single practice session and obviously in games as well. So that way it keeps me in the present. It’s very important to be in the present and put up those good performances regularly. I’m very confident as well. It’s a great opportunity for me to play for India, a great blessing. I need to be doing my job really well. As I said, I need to keep preparing wherever I need to and getting better in all aspects of the game. That way everything will be taken care,” he added.

Sundar returned bowling figures of 3/15 from four overs as India limited Zimbabwe to 159/6 defending 183 at the Harare Sports Club on Wednesday.

India opted to bat first and made a bright start with the opening pair of Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal adding 55 runs in the Powerplay overs.

“We got off to a flier. which definitely helps any team in any game. I feel I think we got 55 got in the first six overs without losing a wicket. That really set a beautiful tone for us to keep playing in that rhythm,” Sundar said.

India were handed a rude shock in the series opener when Zimbabwe defeated them to take 1-0 lead. Sundar attributed that performance on unfamiliar conditions and said the players are learning about them with each game.

“They way you (Zimbabwe) started, hats off! We learn every single day. But yes, coming here in Zimbabwe and playing cricket, for most of us, I think we are trying to get lot more information about the wickets over here, about the conditions. First game, I mean, we didn’t really have so much information, as much as we have now. So obviously there are a lot of learning and today we played on a different wicket, so it played a lot better I would say for batting. You keep getting lessons and learnings every after every single game. That way we’re all lucky to play the sport,” he said.