The Indian all-rounder, Washington Sundar reckons that the grit and determination stories of head coach Ravi Shastri work as a tonic for him, and because of that he is even ready to open the batting for India in Test matches. The youngster is known for playing as a specialist top-order batsman during his India U-19 days. One of the heroes of India’s epic triumph in Brisbane, which helped them the four-match Test series against Australia, Washington spoke about the head coach’s influence on him.

Sundar was seen playing a knock of 62 in the first innings at Gabba to keep India in the match and then also played a fiery knock of quick 22, including a hooked six off Pat Cummins, to play a part in the finishing act, apart from a match-haul of four wickets.

Recalling the same, Washington Sundar said, “Ravi sir tells us very inspiring stories from his playing days. Like how he made his debut as a specialist spinner, got four wickets, and batted at number 10 against New Zealand on debut. And how from there, he became a Test opener and played all those great fast bowlers. I would love to open the batting in Tests like him.”

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For a youngster making a debut in the longest format, he feels that there is no need to draw any inspiration from outside as there are so many role models in that India dressing room.

Talking about the same, Washington Sundar said, “As a youngster, when I look up for inspiration and motivation, I find so many role models in that dressing room. There is Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, R Ashwin who have been such great performers. You look up to these players and they are always ready to guide you,” said the tall off-spinner.

During the epic final day chase, Washington said that when they required 50 runs in 10 overs, he was confident that he and Rishabh Pant could pull it off. A few days at home with family before entering bio-bubble in Chennai will be helping Washington rejuvenate and also enjoy the delicious chicken biryani cooked by his mother.

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Describing the same, Sundar concluded, “If she (Shailaja) finds something that needs to be pointed out, she does that. Her suggestions have always been valuable. But more often than not, we don’t discuss cricket at home. We both are involved with the game so much that when we are back home, there’s plenty of other subjects that we discuss and not really cricket.”