Former India head coach Ravi Shastri believes all-rounder Washington Sundar seized opportunities in the just-concluded ODI series against New Zealand, while the left-handed batsman showed plenty of maturity when he scored 51 in the third match. . But the third ODI in Christchurch was washed away by rain. At Hagley Oval, Sundar led India to a modest 219 in 47.3 overs with his maiden half-century ODI. New Zealand put India up to bat first on a green pitch and in wet conditions. India’s innings never really got going until Sundar hit five fours and a six in a 64-ball strike that took him to his half-century and led the visitors to over 200.
In the opening match of the ODI series in Auckland, Sundar struck an unbeaten 37 from 16 balls, hitting three fours and as many sixes, to take India’s final total to 307/6. Although Sundar did not take any wickets in the series, he did prove to be a very economical bowler with an economy rate of 4.46.
He seized the opportunity with both hands and today I think he showed a lot of maturity with the bat. Difficult conditions, the top order struggled and the ball was not coming to bat properly, but Sundar showed composure and hit brilliantly from the start.
Although India lost the ODI series 1-0, Shastri felt that there were many positive points for India in a New Zealand series where two matches were knocked out. I think a lot of positives have come out of this ODI series. Shreyas Iyer is scoring runs in some matches. Suryakumar definitely has the potential, he will do well in this format.”
Shastri commented that playing in different conditions than at home would help young players a lot in the future. India’s next tour will be a three-match ODI series in Bangladesh starting on December 4.