IND vs ENG: Washington Sundar revealed the secret of his success, apart from Gambhir, gave credit to a legend

By Samira Vishwas On Jul 16, 2026

After India’s spectacular win in the first ODI against England played at Edgbaston, all-rounder Washington Sundar gave major credit to head coach Gautam Gambhir for the change in his batting. Sundar said that Gambhir explained him about his batting in a better way and assured him that he could play an important role for the team. He also praised Gujarat Titans head coach Ashish Nehra.

India defeated England by 6 wickets in the first ODI to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. While chasing the target of 259 runs, captain Shubman Gill retired hurt after scoring 80 runs. At that time India needed 110 runs to win. In such difficult times, Washington Sundar, who came to bat at number 5, played a brilliant inning of 52 not out.

Sundar scored a half century in the first ODI
Sundar made an unbroken partnership of 102 runs with Akshar Patel for the fifth wicket. Akshar also scored unbeaten 57 runs. Thanks to the intelligent batting of both, India achieved the target in 45.2 overs.

I like to play different roles: Sundar

After the match, Sundar said that he has always liked playing different roles for the team. He said, ‘It is exciting for me to play a different role in every match. Not every player gets such an opportunity. I always try to play as per the situation and contribute to the team’s victory.

‘Gauti Bhai helped me recognize my potential’
The 26-year-old all-rounder said that after Gautam Gambhir became the head coach of Team India in July 2024, there was a big change in his thinking regarding batting. He said that Gauti Bhai always explained to me what I can do in batting. He helped me realize my potential. This gave me a lot of confidence.

Sundar also praised Ashish Nehra, the coach of IPL franchise Gujarat Titans, saying that he taught him a lot not only in cricket but also as a human being. He said that Ashish Nehra always helped me understand myself better. Be it cricket or personal life, he guided me at every step.

Sundar believes that it is very important for an all-rounder to constantly learn and improve himself. He said that playing matches continuously gives an opportunity to test oneself in different situations and also increases experience.

Regarding the Edgbaston pitch, Sundar said that batting was not at all easy. He praised the partnership of Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer and said that Axar Patel reduced the pressure by hitting fours at the right time, which made it easier to achieve the target. When he was asked about Shubman Gill’s injury, he smiled and said, ‘I don’t have any information about his fitness at the moment.’

India will now take the field with the intention of winning the second ODI to be held in Cardiff on July 16 and winning the series.