Impact Player era shrinks allrounder role, but Washington Sundar stands tall

CHENNAI : When a 17-year-old Washington Sundar burst on to the IPL scene in 2017 as an injury replacement for R Ashwin for Pune Supergiants, he made a phenomenal impact. During that season, ‘Washy’ often bowled his off-spinners in the Powerplay and finished with eight wickets and an economy rate of 6.61. PSG went on to play the final.

Since then, more so after the advent of the ‘Impact Player’ rule, Washington’s role as an IPL bowler has diminished. This year, till now the Team India allrounder has bowled only four overs staggered over four games for the Gujarat Titans.

That doesn’t really worry the gutsy cricketer, though, but he makes no bones about the fact that he would love to bowl more, even in the Powerplay with only two fielders outside the ring. “I always enjoy the challenge of bowling in the Powerplay. It is incredibly exciting to bowl in that phase and If I get the chance of doing it, I’d love to do it,” Washington told TOI. He knows batters will come at him hard but the offie with an overall IPL economy rate of 7.73 appears not to be worried. “Wherever the team wants me to bowl, I’m ready. It’s on them how they want to use me,” Washington said.

For an allrounder like Washington, the ‘Impact’ sub rule hasn’t been kind since teams are allowed to go for specialists. “It (the Impact Player) is a rule which basically allows teams to play with 12 players and they will use it as per their convenience. It is what it is,” he said.

Over the last few years, Washington has often moved up and down the order, which hasn’t helped his cause. A total of 609 runs over nine seasons isn’t the best return for a batter of his quality. But this year, the GT management seems to have given him a spot in the top four, which has helped him settle. “It is a great opportunity batting up the order and I’m enjoying the responsibility that comes attached to it. I’ll try to make the most of it,” he said.

The 26-year-old has already recorded his highest IPL score in an innings (55 against Delhi Capitals) and has displayed his ability to hit big. “You need to be explosive in this format. I’ve worked on my range hitting, hit a lot of sixes in practice, which should stand me in good stead,” Washy said.

He is also getting a chance to work with the legendary Matthew Hayden, who has been drafted into the coaching setup. “It’s been really fruitful. He tells us about his own experiences and how to deal with difficult situations he may have faced as a player. I can’t divulge everything in public but things have worked out really well,” Washington said.