Team India’s off-spinner Washington Sundar has opened up about his admiration for head coach Gautam Gambhir, revealing that he idolised the former India opener during his IPL days. Sundar admitted that while Gambhir’s elegance as a left-hander inspired him, he didn’t particularly enjoy bowling to the ex-Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) skipper — mainly because Gambhir often got the better of him.
Since Gambhir took over as India’s head coach last year, Sundar has enjoyed greater consistency in Test cricket. Under his tenure, the all-rounder has featured in nine of India’s last 13 Tests, including playing a crucial role in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 in England.
Recalling his early encounters with Gautam Gambhir, Washington Sundar told Wisden: “He also had No. 5 on the back of his jersey, just like me, and was an extremely elegant left-hander. The only thing I didn’t enjoy was bowling to him in the IPL — he was very successful against me. But as a person, he’s an amazing human being. He has so much faith in his players, always believing we can fight and win.”
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Sundar highlighted Gambhir’s trust and motivational approach as key factors behind India’s strong performances. He also praised the synergy between Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill, pointing to their clear communication and calm leadership.
“Credit to them for maintaining a calm dressing room throughout the series. Their instructions were precise, and both of them believed in us. That belief makes a big difference,” Washington Sundar said.
The England series saw standout performances across the board. Shubman Gill was India’s batting star, scoring 754 runs at an average of 75.40 in 10 innings. Mohammed Siraj led the bowling charts with 23 wickets at 32.43. Sundar himself became an indispensable all-rounder, playing four of the five Tests, scoring 284 runs at an average above 47, and chipping in with seven wickets.
Batting at No. 5, Sundar hit his maiden Test century in the fourth Test at Manchester, forming a monumental 203-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja. Their stand helped India overturn a daunting 311-run first-innings deficit and secure a memorable draw.
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With the ball, Sundar’s highlight was a brilliant four-wicket haul at Lord’s — the second-best figures by an Indian spinner in England in the 21st century. His contributions were pivotal as India fought back from 1-2 down in the series to draw the fourth Test and clinch the decider by six runs. The series win not only boosted team morale but also eased pressure on Gambhir, who had been under scrutiny following back-to-back Test series losses to New Zealand and Australia.
