On the recent India tour of England, 25-year-old Washington Sundar emerged not just as a handy spinner, but as a true spin all‑rounder. His uncanny ability to generate drift—not turn—from the air turned out to be his most potent weapon, and one that may shape India’s spin blueprint moving forward.
The Drift Factor
Unlike most off‑spinners, Sundar relies less on sharp turn and more on subtle lateral movement in the air—a skill referred to as “drift.” As explained by cricketing guru Raju, the combination of height, high-arm action, and precise timing helps Sundar impart stealthy movement, especially under English conditions. His deliveries often hover through the air, drifting just enough to outsmart batsmen. According to Cricviz, Sundar recorded the highest drift among spinners in England since 2006, averaging 2.7 degrees
KL Rahul’s assistance in keeping one side of the Dukes ball shining has also been critical in aiding Sundar’s ability to drift the ball away from right-handers.
Delivering on the Big Stage
Sundar demonstrated this drift mastery in full flight at Lord’s, where he broke through England’s top order with a match-turning spell. He dismissed Joe Root, Ben Stokes, and Jamie Smith—all clean bowled—in a stunning 4/22 performance, the best by an Indian spinner in England this century.
Batting Comes to the Fore
But Sundar didn’t only shine with the ball. Promoted up the order, he scored a gritty maiden Test century at Old Trafford, anchoring a crucial partnership with Ravindra Jadeja and helping India salvage a vital draw.
At The Oval, he turned in another match-defining cameo: a 46-ball 53, all in a last-wicket stand of 39 runs that helped secure a narrow six-run win—India’s slimmest Test victory everThe Times of India. In four Tests, Sundar scored 284 runs and claimed seven wickets, underscoring his bona fides as a full-fledged all-rounder.
The Voice of Experience
Former India coach Ravi Shastri was quick to endorse Sundar’s rising stature. “When I saw him… I said he’s the man,” Shastri said, adding that Sundar could be a “genuine all-rounder for many, many years for India”.
The Anatomy of Rise: Technique & Trust
Several factors contributed to Sundar’s transformation:
- Technique: His tall frame, drifty high-arm release, and refined grip contribute to consistent drift and accuracy.
- Opportunity: Under head coach Gautam Gambhir, Sundar was given the platform to bowl and bat freely in England, with selectors backing his all-round potential.
- Composure: Whether dismantling the top order with the ball, rescuing an innings with the bat, or grounding the lower order, Sundar showed unwavering calm under pressure.
A New Blueprint for India’s Spin Future
Washington Sundar’s England tour has reframed debates around spin bowling for India. By harnessing drift over excessive turn—and by contributing with the bat in critical moments—he’s carving out a niche as a modern spin all‑rounder. It’s a model that blends subtle craft with bite, and it may well be the blueprint India turns to as the game evolves.
India’s future spin arsenal may go beyond traditional wristies or turners—featuring players like Sundar whose strength is in ball-flight, timing, and multi-dimensional value to the team.