Proper cricket shots are the best form of innovation: Washington Sundar

Washington Sundar was one of the most sought after U-19 cricketers, in the inaugural edition of the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL). The 16-year-old has made huge strides, after his exploits for India U-19 helped them reach the World Cup finals.

He is an all-rounder who is technically gifted with the bat. He can steady an innings in the middle order and also bowls handy off-breaks. He hopes to create an impression and excel with the Tuti Patriots.

In an exclusive interview with the official TNPL website, he speaks of his opportunity of playing with the likes of Dinesh Karthik, Abhinav Mukund and L Balaji, and his desire of helping them win the TNPL.

How is the team (Tuti Patriots) shaping up, did you have a chance to interact with the players?

We had a couple of practice sessions and it went off really well. Everyone turned up for the sessions. I am looking forward to playing with this team, as it’s a very good and balanced side on paper. Given that we have three players who have made a mark for India, it would be exciting to work with them, and the other players as well.

Are you excited by the prospect of playing under Dinesh Karthik?

I’ll get to learn a lot playing under DK. It would help me become a better player, especially in this format. I’ll try to interact as much as I can with him and get a lot of ideas. L. Balaji and Abhinav Mukund are the other players who have lots of experience. I look forward to work with them.

Given that T20 cricket is a batsman’s game and is all about innovation, have you practiced any specific shot going into this tournament?

Not really. Virat Kohli has proved that proper cricketing shots are enough to be consistent in this format. There is no need to innovate any particular shot. You have to play your natural game, be positive, and at times aggressive. You just have to play proper cricket shots.

Is there pressure on you for being the first U-19 player to be picked in the TNPL draft?

No. It doesn’t put much pressure on me. In fact, it has given me the opportunity to work with these players. It’s a big responsibility for me to perform well in this tournament. The efforts of the franchise to invest so much money and participate (in TNPL) shows their faith in me. It’s my responsibility to give more than the best for my team, which I will.

Is the TNPL an opportunity for you to try and get picked by an IPL team?

I don’t wish to look too far ahead. I’ve never done that. I hope to play well, be consistent, and do whatever it takes to make this team win the TNPL.

Your thoughts on Rahul Dravid?

He’s a true legend. He’s such a positive man. He has definitely been a good coach. He just got into the coaching panel few years back and he’s been doing really well. He took the U-19 team into the finals, which we unfortunately lost. He’s been very encouraging; a lot of players would be excited to work with him in the near future.

You have been to lots of countries with the U-19 team, do you think you can easily adapt to the venue, conditions and pitches here?

Yes. After, you have played for India, you would have played on lots of pitches, lots of different grounds, lots of different wickets and conditions. It’s mandatory to adapt to different conditions. I have played enough cricket to know as to how the wicket will turn out to be. I am confident of adapting to any condition present.