“Why No Chances?”: Sundar’s Dad Speaks Loud

Washington Sundar played one of the best innings of his career in the 4th Test against England at Old Trafford. He scored an unbeaten 101 under pressure and helped India save the match. But even after such a great effort, one question refuses to go away—why is he not a regular in the Indian team? This time, the question came straight from his father, M Sundar.

Washington’s century came at a tough time in the match. Team India was on the verge of collapse. But he remained calm, built a 203-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja and took India to safety. Not for the first time. In 2021, he scored 85* in Chennai and 96* in Ahmedabad—both against England. In both cases, he was either ignored or dropped soon after.

His father, clearly emotional, said: “Washington does well every time, but people forget. Others get more chances. My son gets dropped after just one or two bad games.” It’s not just in Test cricket. Washington has faced similar treatment in T20s and the IPL. He was the Player of the Series in the 2018 Nidahas Trophy. Yet, RCB benched him for 11 matches the next season.

In IPL 2022, he smashed a 14-ball 40 for SRH but was sent lower in the batting order in the next match. In IPL 2025, his current team GT barely used him until the Eliminator, where he scored a match-winning 48 off 24 balls against Mumbai Indians. Even in domestic cricket, his father claims he doesn’t get a proper run. “Look at how Rajasthan Royals have backed Yashasvi Jaiswal. My son never got that kind of support.”

Washington Sundar’s case raises a bigger question—do Indian selectors treat all players the same? Some players keep getting picked even after multiple failures. Others, like Washington, get dropped quickly even after good performances. This in-and-out can hurt a player’s confidence. But Washington has stayed strong and continues to prove himself when given a chance.

“He has become very strong after all this,” said his father. “That’s why you’re seeing these kinds of performances.” Washington Sundar’s hundred at Old Trafford was a proud moment for him, his family and Indian fans. But now the question is—will this finally earn him a regular place in the team? And that’s the question.