What’s the story?
Rising Pune Supergiant have signed Tamil Nadu all-rounder Washington Sundar as a replacement for Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin after the latter was ruled out from the 2017 IPL due to sports hernia. A source close to the franchise confirmed the development and when contacted, the 17-year-old cricketer was jubilant for making the cut.
He also said he doesn’t have any expectations going into the tournament and promised to work hard to earn the opportunity to play in the XI. Speaking to Sportskeeda, he said, “I am feeling good about getting selected, and at the same time, I am excited to be a part of the team that has some big names in it. I don’t have any expectations going into the tournament. I will work hard to get an opportunity and when I get it, I should be ready to deliver for the team.”
In case you didn’t know...
Earlier this week, we reported that Sundar, along with Jammu and Kashmir all-rounder Parvez Rasool was called by the franchise for trials to replace the Indian spinner.
Apart from R Ashwin, the Steve Smith-led side will also miss the services of Aussie all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, who was ruled out of the tournament due to a shoulder injury. Given that Ashwin is set to be out of action for six to eight weeks, it will be interesting to see whether he will be fit in time for the 2017 Champions Trophy in June.
Extra cover: TN teenager Washington Sundar and J&K all-rounder Parvez Rasool in line to replace R Ashwin in RPS squad
The details
Washinton Sundar is a 17-year-old all-rounder from Tamil Nadu, who made the headlines at a very young age and impressed everyone in the 2014 ICC under-19 World Cup as a 15-year-old teenager.
Sundar, who bats left-handed and bowls right-arm off-spin, had a good debut domestic season for Tamil Nadu that saw them winning both the List A tournaments. In those tournaments, Sundar picked up seven wickets in nine matches at an economy of 3.8.
What’s next?
RPS host two-time champions Mumbai Indians in their opening game of the season at the MCA stadium in Pune later today and in all likelihood, Washington might not be able to join the team ahead of their first match.
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Author’s Take
Washington is not a bad replacement for R Ashwin as he is capable of picking wickets and containing the run flow. Credit should be given to the team management for trusting the youngster and give him a chance to prove himself ahead of an experienced campaigner like Rasool.
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