Washington Sundar Birthday Special: Celebrating India’s All-Rounder As T20 World Cup Winner Turns 27
Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar celebrates his 27th birthday today, October 5, 2026. Explore the career milestones and impressive stats of the off-spin maestro, a key player in India's 2026 T20 World Cup triumph. This feature highlights his journey, key performances, and achievements with Team India and his IPL franchise, Gujarat Titans.
Chennai-born cricketer Washington Sundar marks his 27th birthday today, October 5, 2026. The talented all-rounder, celebrated for his crafty right-arm off-spin and composed left-handed batting, has rapidly become an indispensable asset for the Indian national team since his international debut in 2017. His career has been punctuated by crucial performances, particularly in high-stakes encounters, solidifying his reputation as a big-match player.
Sundar's journey from a young prospect in Tamil Nadu to an international star has seen him contribute significantly across all three formats. From his memorable Test debut in Australia to his consistent showings in white-ball cricket, he has continuously demonstrated his versatility and cricketing acumen. His ability to bowl economically in the powerplay and score vital runs down the order makes him a rare commodity in modern cricket.
Early Career and International Debut
Washington Sundar made his first-class debut for Tamil Nadu in the 2016–17 Ranji Trophy on October 6, 2016. He quickly rose through the ranks, earning his One Day International (ODI) debut for India against Sri Lanka on December 13, 2017. Just eleven days later, on December 24, 2017, he made his Twenty20 International (T20I) debut against the same opposition, becoming the youngest player to debut for India in T20Is at 18 years and 80 days. His Test debut came later, on January 15, 2021, against Australia, where he immediately made an impact with both bat and ball in India's historic Gabba victory.
Career Milestones and Achievements
Sundar's career boasts several significant achievements, both individually and as part of the Indian squad. He was a key member of the Indian team that lifted the 2023 Asia Cup, the 2025 Champions Trophy, and the 2026 T20 World Cup. A notable individual highlight was being named the Player of the Series in the 2018 Nidahas Trophy, where he impressed with his economical bowling in the powerplay and became the youngest T20I player to bag a three-wicket haul.
His Test career has also seen remarkable moments, including scoring his maiden Test century against England in the 4th match of the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy and achieving his maiden ten-wicket haul in Test cricket against New Zealand in October 2024. In November 2025, he was awarded the 'Impact Player of the Series' medal for his outstanding performance in India's T20I series win against Australia.
Career Snapshot
Here's a brief overview of Washington Sundar's international career statistics:
| Format | Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Batting Avg | Wickets | Best Bowling | Bowling Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 18 | 937 | 101 | 44.62 | 41 | 7/59 | 30.34 |
| ODIs | 34 | 445 | 52 | 22.25 | 30 | 3/30 | 30.53 |
| T20Is | 65 | 286 | 50 | 15.89 | 56 | 3/3 | 23.43 |
Note: IPL stats include 83 matches, 888 runs, and 40 wickets.
As Washington Sundar celebrates his 27th birthday, his career trajectory continues to ascend. With his unique skill set and proven ability to perform under pressure, he remains a vital cog in India's cricketing ambitions across all formats, promising many more match-winning performances in the years to come.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 05, 2026 11:35 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
