Washington Sundar: Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar added another shining chapter to his career by winning the ‘Impact Player of the Series’ award after India’s thrilling 2-1 T20I series victory against Australia. The award was presented by Team Operations Manager (COO) Rahil Khaja in a special moment captured in BCCI’s behind-the-scenes video titled “Dressing Room BTS,” shared on Sunday. Beaming with pride, the 26-year-old expressed his happiness, saying, “It’s amazing to be here and get a chance to play in Australia. I’m very happy to contribute to the team’s victory.”
Match-Winning Performances in the Series
Sundar’s all-round brilliance played a crucial role in India’s success. In the third T20I at Hobart, he was promoted up the batting order and delivered a match-winning knock of 49 runs off just 23 balls, smashing four sixes and three fours. His explosive innings helped India level the series 1-1. Then, in the fourth T20I, Sundar once again made his mark. this time with the ball. Despite not being used early, he struck when it mattered most, taking three wickets in just two overs and five balls to destroy Australia’s lower order and seal a 48-run victory for India.
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India Clinch the Series Under Suryakumar Yadav’s Leadership
The fifth and final T20I at the Gabba was washed out due to rain, confirming India’s 2-1 series triumph under captain Suryakumar Yadav. After receiving his award, Sundar appreciated the efforts of COO Rahil Khaja, saying, “It feels great to receive this medal from him. We all know how hard he works every single day to make things easier for us.” Khaja, visibly emotional, expressed his pride in Sundar’s consistent performances throughout the series.
Sundar’s Consistent Record Across Formats
Sundar’s overall statistics highlight his reliability and importance to Team India. In 57 T20 Internationals, he has maintained a bowling average of just over 22 with an economy rate under seven, along with a batting strike rate exceeding 134. In Test cricket, he has taken 35 wickets in 15 matches, including three four-wicket hauls and one five-wicket haul. With the bat, he has registered one century and five half-centuries at an impressive average of 44.76, proving his worth as a dependable all-rounder in all formats.
The Significance of the ‘Impact Player of the Series’ Award
The ‘Impact Player of the Series’ is a relatively new accolade introduced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to recognize players who make game-changing contributions in bilateral series. Earlier, Indian captain Rohit Sharma received the same award in the ODI series against Australia in October 2025. Washington Sundar’s impactful performances in Australia further reinforce his reputation as one of India’s most promising and versatile cricketers—calm under pressure, adaptable to any role, and always delivering when it matters most.
