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I trust a lot in my preparation: Washington Sundar

The 6-feet 1-inch tall Washington should thank his Ranji Trophy coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar for his meticulous rise. In 2016-17 Ranji season, it was the former India player who was convinced about this 17-year-old boy's abilities.

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Washington Sundar (2nd from left) says he has been made comfortable in the Indian dressing room, thanks to his IPL experience early this year
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The story of how Team India's new comer Washington Sundar got his name is an interesting one.

Born in a Hindu family to Sundar, a former cricketer, Washington was named in memory of an ex-service man — PD Washington — who supported his father during his years of struggle and paid for his education fee among other things.

The 6-feet 1-inch tall Washington should thank his Ranji Trophy coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar for his meticulous rise. In 2016-17 Ranji season, it was the former India player who was convinced about this 17-year-old boy's abilities.

Not afraid of playing shots or bowling with the new ball, Washington's ability to play according to the situation impressed Kanitkar and during his association with Rising Pune Supergiants as assistant coach, he asked head coach Stephen Fleming to pick this youngster as replacement for injured Ravichandran Ashwin.

Washington went on to become skipper Steven Smith's go-to-bowler in the powerplay with his speedy off-spinners. His deliveries bowled with flat trajectory were hard to pick. Despite being exposed to highest level of cricket at such a young age, Washington never got overawed by the situation.

This helped him graduate to Duleep Trophy side in no time. He immediately captured the attention of India selectors with his all-around capabilities. And is already a star performer in the Tamil Nadu Premier League.

A product of the MRF, whose side he plays for in the TNCA First Division, Washington has raced to Team India with just 12 first-class matches to his credit.

"For any cricketer, playing for India is the ultimate dream right from the beginning. For me to have got this opportunity at the age of 18 is a great feeling. I've prepared a lot for this, I trust a lot in my preparation and it has paid off. All I have to do is now go out there and perform and win the game for my country," Washington said with no signs of nervousness.

"It has been my fourth day to be precise in the dressing room, but I do not feel that I just became part of the team. I knew lot of players before, have played with Mahi bhai (Dhoni) in the IPL. They all made me feel at home," said Washington on the eve of second ODI against Lanka, which could well prove to be his debut.

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