India bounced back in the ongoing 5-match T20I series by winning the third match (AUS vs IND 3rd T20I) at the Ninja stadium. Washington Sundar and Jitesh Sharma's flamboyant batting confirm the win for the touring side. 

Toss and the first innings: 

After a long time, India, in this match, won the toss and decided to bowl first. For this game, India made multiple changes in the playing XI. The inclusion of Arshdeep Singh proved instantly effective as he picked up the wickets of Travis Head and Josh Inglis without wasting any time. In the match, the pacer got 3 wickets to his name and was named the best player of the match. 

Tim David emerged as the main hurdle for the Indian bowling department. The right-handed batter played a cracking 74-run innings before losing his scalp against Shivam Dube. Tilak Varma took an extraordinary catch near the boundary rope, at the long-off region, to get rid of the swashbuckling batter. Marcus Stoinis also was in good touch, scoring 64 off 39. Arshedeep cleared him from the track through a caught and bowled process. With the power-pack knocks from Head and Stoinis, Australia registered 186 runs in the first innings. 

Australia: Australia · 186/6 (20)

Read More: WATCH: Tim David out as Tilak Varma takes spectacular catch during AUS vs IND 3rd T20I

Second Innings: 

The match in the second innings became more thrilling when India lost 4 wickets for 111 runs on the scoreboard. Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav went off to a promising start but were not able to convert their innings for a long run. Australia, without the service of Josh Hazlewood, tried to bowl according to their plan and was looking good until Washington Sundar and Jitesh Sharma walked into the middle. With 9 balls to spare and 5 wickets in hand, India won the match. Sundar and Sharma remained unbeaten for 49 and 22, respectively. 

India: 188/5 (18.3)

At the age of 36, Virat Kohli took a stunning catch during the Australia vs India 3rd ODI (AUS vs IND 3rd ODI) match at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The catch was the proof of his unmatchable fitness and fielding techniques. The crowd at the stadium were on their feet to celebrate the jaw-dropping moment. 

Matthew Short was batting well and was a well-set batter on the track. He gained the required momentum to create the momentum-shifting innings. When he saw a flighted delivery around the middle, he couldn't resist going for a big hit. That was a trap from Team India, a well-set trap indeed, and it worked properly. 

For the third delivery of the 23rd over of the first innings, Washington Sundar offered the right-handed batter a flighted delivery, full and around the middle stump. Matt chose to play a powerful sweep shot to send the ball towards the boundary rope. He made the right connection; the ball got enough pace to go to the boundary line. But the Aussie batter made a mistake, the ball was in the air, and Virat Kohli was on its path. 

Read More: [WATCH] Shreyas Iyer's fabulous catch dismisses Alex Carey during AUS vs IND 3rd ODI

Virat Kohli takes a high-speed catch in Sydney vs Australia

 

 

 

 

 

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The ball travels at the speed of light towards the square leg area. Kohli shows sharp reflexes to crouch low, lean back with a stable base, and grab it with a reverse cup right in front of his face. Matthew Short had to depart for a well-made 30 off 41 with a couple of boundaries. Australia lost their 3rd wicket in the form of Matt Short when the team total was 124. The batter was visibly disappointed after the dismissal. 

The winner of the 3-match ODI series between India and Australia was already decided before the last match. Australia won in two back-to-back matches and clinched the series before stepping into the Sydney Cricket Ground. For India, it is a prestige fight. Like the previous two matches, all eyes are on Virat and Rohit Sharma. In two consecutive games, Virat went back to the dugout without scoring a single run. There are speculations over his international career as well. It is now heavily believed that it is the last Australia tour with team India for Virat Kohli before signing off from the ODI format as well. 

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) finds a proper replacement for Ravichandran Ashwin, who retired from the Indian Premier League ahead of the upcoming 2026 (IPL 2026) season. Ashwin was like a pillar of CSK's bowling and all-round department. Finding a proper replacement in place of him could be a difficult task for them. According to the latest media report, CSK management perhaps found a suitable player in place of Ashwin—a spin-bowling all-rounder in place of another spin-bowling all-rounder.

According to the media report, Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans (GT) have agreed to an all-cash deal. If the claims are to be believed, then Washington Sundar is all set to join the multi-time IPL-winning franchise ahead of IPL 2026. 

"Chennai Super Kings has chosen Washington Sundar as R Ashwin's replacement and has contacted GT management for a trade. "It is said that Gujarat Titans management has agreed to trade Washington Sundar for an all-cash deal," the report reads. 

Read More: [WATCH] No handshake with Pakistan continues post Asia Cup 2025 as India captain refuses pre-match gesture

An all cash deal between GT and CSK ahead of IPL 2026

Washington Sundar was a part of Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025. But he got only a few matches to show his talent. In the previous IPL campaign, the Chennai-born player played only 6 matches for GT, in which he claimed only a couple of wickets and scored 133 runs. For a prolific all-rounder like him, the stats are far from satisfying. 

After a rock-hard IPL season, CSK is all prepared to reinforce their troop. Along with their batting department, they have to look after their bowling part as well. Washington has been in terrific form for Team India in the recent past. During the Anderson-Tendulkar trophy, he proved his talent as well. His batting work down the order can be very useful for Chennai Super Kings. 

Washington Sundar broke into the Test side with his seven-wicket haul last year in Pune against New Zealand, when he came into the squad while playing the Ranji Trophy and left a mark. He flew to Australia and England with the national side and earned success, especially with the bat, as the memorable century came during the fourth game in Manchester.

However, he didn’t get any wickets during the second Test against the West Indies at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. On a surface where Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav shared nine wickets between them, Sundar struggled with his line and length. Moreover, he couldn’t get the ball at the right pace off his hands.

See Also: [WATCH] Shubman Gill's terrific catch makes Tagenarine Chanderpaul’s dismissal during IND vs WI 2nd Test

However, he bowled a dream delivery at the strike of Tea to dismiss Alick Athanze for seven runs. The ball pitched into the leg side, drawing the left-handed batter into the shot before changing its angle and nailing the top of the off-stump, as the batter’s shocking look was proof of how classical the ball was.

Watch: Washington Sundar’s superb delivery dismissed Alick Athanaze during IND vs WI 2nd Test

Earlier, India had got the wicket of Tagenarine Chanderpaul for 10 runs when Mohammed Siraj went short at the batter, who was late on the pull shot and wasn’t fully committed. Shubman Gill, standing at the mid-on region, took a few steps on his left and kept his eyes on the ball to collect a fine catch to draw first blood.

Drift drags Athanaze’s bat towards leg. Creates a gap for the ball to spin across the LHB and onto the stumps. Brilliant bowling from Washington Sundar. He keeps doing it! pic.twitter.com/E0Sy9WQWr6

— Amar Sohal (@sohalamarsingh) October 12, 2025

In the first innings, it was Kuldeep Yadav’s firing bowling as his fine figures of 5/82 helped to bundle out the Caribbean side for 248 runs to earn a lead of 270 runs. Along with him, Ravindra Jadeja was excellent on the second day with his three wickets.

India’s captain and the management decided to enforce the follow-on as they aimed to pick a few more wickets to push for an early finish in the encounter. Jadeja and Siraj started the second innings’ bowling, with Kuldeep yet to get his introduction into the attack.

Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar gave India an important breakthrough after Lunch by dismissing Alick Athanaze (38 off 74) with a smart return catch. Athanaze attempted to direct the ball to the leg side but got a leading edge that allowed Sundar to react quickly and dive to his right and take an excellent catch. It lifted the Indian team, who were already in command of the match in Ahmedabad.

India declared their first innings at 448/5 to end up with a lead of 286 over the West Indies. Dhruv Jurel scored 125, while Ravindra Jadeja finished on 104 and KL Rahul got 100. The Indian captain decided to declare at the start of Day 3 to make full use of the helpful bowling conditions.

Earlier in the day, India’s bowlers maintained complete control. The spinners, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, troubled the Windies batters and shared four wickets between them. West Indies struggled to build any big partnership, and just when Alick Athanaze and Justin Greaves tried to steady the innings, Washington Sundar’s clever bowling broke their stand.

Sundar’s Smart Bowling Puts India on Top

In 35.3 overs, Washington Sundar bowled a full delivery on the off stump that straightened after pitching. Athanaze tried to flick it through the leg side but played too early, sending the ball up in the air. Sundar moved across and caught it safely with one hand, completing a fine return catch. The wicket put India even closer to victory in the first Test.

Watch the video here

7 DOWN! ⬇️❤️🔥#WashingtonSundar finds the leading edge and #AlickAthanaze can only watch. Another blow for Windies! 🏟️🙌

Catch the LIVE action ➡ https://t.co/lvHQ6SSW3r#INDvWI 1st Test, Day 3 👉 LIVE NOW on Star Sports & JioHotstar pic.twitter.com/PaAikUoKaB

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 4, 2025

See Also: [WATCH] Nitish Reddy's flying catch dismisses Tagenarine Chanderpaul during IND vs WI Ahmedabad Test

At the latest update, West Indies are 122/8 in 41.4 overs, still trailing by 164 runs. India need just two wickets to win the Test and take a 1-0 lead in the series. Kuldeep Yadav has figures of 1/23, while Sundar’s wicket has further strengthened India’s position.

Former India spinner Murali Kartik acknowledged India's remarkable strength in cricket, emphasizing that even established players who have performed extremely well are finding it hard to get into the national team. His comments came after India’s dominant win over Pakistan in their Group A Asia Cup 2025 clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, September 14. Suryakumar Yadav’s side chased down the 128-run target with seven wickets to spare in just 15 overs.

Kartik pointed out how players like Sai Sudharsan, Washington Sundar, and Ruturaj Gaikwad, despite their proven talent, missed out on the Asia Cup squad. Sudharsan, the 2025 IPL Orange Cap winner, was one of the most notable omissions. He also highlighted how Punjab opener Abhishek Sharma set the tone against Pakistan by smashing Shaheen Shah Afridi for a six on the very first ball of the innings.

Speaking to Cricbuzz, Kartik said, “Just think of the kind of players who are missing out. Somebody like Sai Sudharsan, an Orange cap holder, can’t make the side. Washington Sundar can’t make the side. Ruturaj Gaikwad can’t make the side. Arshdeep Singh can’t make the XI. These are the kind of players you are talking about.”

Kartik on IPL’s Standard vs International Cricket

The former left-arm spinner underlined how India’s fearless approach, especially Abhishek Sharma’s aggressive start, showed the sheer quality in the side. “Just the way they played yesterday. The first ball from Shaheen Shah Afridi is not even a sighter, which Abhishek Sharma needs. He runs down the track. That is the kind of talent you are talking about. Yesterday, India looked possibly the best from the side view. There was no comparison at all,” he said.

See Also: Asia Cup 2025: 'Our main concern is the middle overs' – Bangladesh spin consultant flags key challenge ahead of must-win tie vs Afghanistan

Kartik further argued that the Indian Premier League is more competitive than international cricket. “Just think of the number of sides, and this is no disrespect to any side. We talk about international cricket, which means these are countries playing, and you just take the quality of all the IPL sides 1-10. Think of the 10th team, anybody, that is a year that could go wrong for any franchise, but think of the quality in the 10th-placed side that can actually beat most of the international sides. So IPL is a tough gig. It is tougher than international cricket,” he concluded. India have already sealed their Super-Four spot and will face Oman in their last group match on Friday, September 19, in Abu Dhabi.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to announce India’s squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. For that, they may have to take some harsh decisions. There are too many contenders waiting for their chances to shine for Men in Blue; only a few among them will make the final cut. Will BCCI consider Washington Sundar to defend their Asia Cup title?

Washington Sundar has been going through an exceptional period of his international career. The spin-bowling all-rounder is in contention for the Asia Cup squad, but the selectors have yet to make a final decision about his chances in T20Is. Sundar’s recent performances are, beyond any doubt, top-notch. During the Anderson-Tendulkar trophy, he did not take too long to make a positive impression in the middle. Mostly known for spin bowling abilities, Sundar surprised cricket fraternities with batting. Under pressure, the 25-year-old smashed a hundred at Old Trafford to save team India from the worst possible result. At The Oval, during the final and series-decider Test, Sundar claimed a half century in the second innings. His inclusion in the first XI proved useful for Shubman Gill and Co. to maintain batting depth as well as firepower in bowling.

Recent Matches of Washington Sundar:

• India vs England (The Oval): 26 & 53, 0/19
• India vs England (Manchester): 27 & 101*, 2/107
• India vs England (Lord's): 23 & 0, 0/21 & 4/22
• India vs England (Birmingham): 42 & 12*, 0/73 & 1/28     

Read More: Should Team India select Riyan Parag for Asia Cup 2025? Know facts and stats.

IPL 2025 performance in brief:

Test and T20 possessed two completely different ball games. So the selectors have to think twice before taking a final call on Sundar based on his recent test performances. The IPL 2025 campaign of the Chennai-born was underwhelming, as he got to play only a few matches with Gujarat Titans (GT). In 6 IPL 2025 matches with GT, the all-rounder scored 133 runs in 5 innings and took only a couple of wickets.

Sundar's batting stats for GT in IPL 2025

Sundar's bowling stats for GT in IPL 2025

T20I performance in brief:

After making his T20I debut in 2017, Washington Sundar managed to play only 54 matches. His last T20I encounter with Team India was in January this year against England at Rajkot. It was not a memorable affair for the all-rounder; he remained wicket-less in the game and was able to score only 6 runs. Meanwhile, his all-over T20I stats cannot be considered spectacular. The best T20I bowling figures of his career came during a match against Zimbabwe in 2024, when he took 3 wickets, conceding only 15 runs. Against Bangladesh and Afghanistan too, Sundar has 3-wicket figures. 50 was his highest individual score for India in the format of the game, which he scored against New Zealand at Ranchi on January 27, 2023.

Washington Sundar's T20I stats:

Gujarat Titans (GT) made a dream start to their Indian Premier League (IPL) journey, clinching the title in their debut season in 2022. Since then, they have maintained impressive consistency, securing three playoff spots in four years. In IPL 2025, GT dominated the group stage and topped the points table for most of the season. However, a dip in form during the final stages saw them slip to third place, eventually losing the Eliminator to five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) by 20 runs. Despite the setback, Shubman Gill lead GT will aim to retain their core while adding reinforcements ahead of IPL 2026.

Throughout their IPL journey, GT has been known for unearthing match-winners and maintaining a balanced squad. In IPL 2025, several players stood out with their performances, contributing significantly to the team’s success in the league stage. Their impact with both bat and ball not only helped GT remain competitive but also boosted their market value. Given the auction dynamics, some of these standout performers could explore opportunities to attract higher bids by entering the IPL 2026 mini-auction instead of staying with their current contracts.

See Also: 4 Mega trades that could take place before IPL 2026 Auction

While GT is expected to retain key match-winners, certain players may opt for release to maximise their value. The upcoming mini-auction offers franchises a chance to spend big on proven performers, and GT’s top contributors from 2025 fit that bill perfectly. Players who showcased consistency, match-winning ability, and adaptability across different match situations will be in high demand. This makes it possible that GT could see a few of their standout stars seeking fresh contracts for the 2026 season.

Washington Sundar

All-rounder Washington Sundar, who was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for INR 8.75 crore in IPL 2022, became a bargain signing for Gujarat Titans (GT) at just INR 3.20 crore during the IPL 2025 auction. The Tamil Nadu cricketer made a strong impact with the bat, scoring 133 runs at a blistering strike rate of 166.25. His ability to accelerate in crucial moments added depth to GT’s middle order and provided valuable contributions in pressure situations, making him a standout performer despite his relatively low auction price.

Sundar also chipped in with the ball, taking two wickets in 10.5 overs during the season, though he had an economy rate of 10.25. Beyond the IPL, his impressive performances in the recently concluded India vs England Test series have further enhanced his reputation. With his all-round skills and current form, interest from other franchises ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction could increase significantly, potentially leading to a higher bid if he decides to enter the player pool.

Sai Kishore

Spinner Sai Kishore established himself as one of the rising stars in T20 cricket during the recent IPL season. Initially signed by Gujarat Titans (GT) for INR 3 crore ahead of IPL 2022, his modest performances in the following years saw him re-acquired for a reduced price of INR 2 crore. However, in IPL 2025, with Rashid Khan struggling to hit peak form, Kishore quietly stepped up, delivering consistent performances and playing a crucial role in the team’s bowling attack during the group stages and high-pressure matches.

Kishore’s 2025 campaign was his most impactful yet, as he picked up 19 wickets in 15 matches, maintaining an economy rate of 9.25. His ability to break partnerships and bowl in key phases gave GT an edge in tight games. After such a standout season, the left-arm spinner might consider requesting a release ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction, hoping to attract a bigger bid from other franchises looking for a dependable and in-form spinner.

Anuj Rawat

Young wicketkeeper-batter Anuj Rawat was signed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for INR 3.40 crore ahead of IPL 2022. Over three seasons, he featured in 22 matches, amassing 318 runs. Following his release from the RCB squad, Gujarat Titans (GT) picked him up at his base price of INR 30 lakh in the IPL 2025 auction. However, despite being part of the squad, Rawat did not get a single game in GT’s 15-match campaign during the season, spending the entire tournament on the sidelines.

Currently, the 25-year-old southpaw is making headlines in the ongoing Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2025 with his explosive batting form. He has already accumulated 232 runs at a scorching strike rate of 184.13, including three half-centuries in the tournament so far. His current purple patch could increase interest from franchises ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction, with teams potentially viewing him as a dynamic middle-order option and an effective wicketkeeping backup.

Days after the Oval Test and the conclusion of the Anderson-Tendulkar trophy, Indian cricketers are thrilled to remember every inch of the contest filled with multiple intense moments. One of the most talked about moments of the series emerged when England skipper Ben Stokes proposed to Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar to settle the fourth Test as a draw. Sundar described the incident as the positive catalyst behind their heroics during the series decider game.

When Stokes went for a handshake to settle the match, Jadeja and Sundar were approaching their hundreds. Jadeja denied the handshake and the proposal to draw without completing the match. The straight forward refusal did not work well for Stokes, as he replied to Jadeja, "Do you want to score a century against Harry Brook?" The controversial incident sparked Team India's craving to level the series. 

"We've seen a lot of such things happen, not just in cricket, but in any sport. I mean, that's how sport is. It brings out a lot. I think it was just an experience for all of us, honestly," Sundar said.

Read More: Shreyas Iyer to leave PBKS for IPL 2026? Know latest developments

Sundar talked about mental preparations as well

Sundar further added, "Especially in Test cricket, you want to be challenged because that's exactly what you expect every single day. And when the situation gets tough, the only thing that will help you get over it and come out successful is being really tough in your head." 

The fourth test of the five-match series ended in a draw. England, in their first innings, scored 669 runs in reply to India's 358 runs. The home team was looking in a comfortable position to conceal the match and the series as well. But centuries from Captain Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar shaped The Oval Test as the series decider. On Day 5 of the fifth Test, England needed only 35 runs to win the match and the series but had only four wickets in hand. With the help of Mohammed and Prasidh Krishna, the men in blue stunned the home team and made the scoreline 2-2. 

Gautam Gambhir, the Indian head coach, earned so much success in the white-ball format, including the home T20I series victory against England, besides lifting the title in the Champions Trophy 2025 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, he hadn’t got the same joy in the longest format of the game, including two successive red-ball series defeats.

In his coaching, India lost their first home Test series since 2012 against England before facing another red-ball series defeat against Australia during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 down under by a 4-1 margin. However, it was a decent performance from them to draw the series in England, as the spin all-rounder, Washington Sundar, highlighted his coaching skills.

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“He also had No. 5 on the back of his jersey (like me). And obviously, he was an extremely elegant left-hander. The only thing I didn’t enjoy was bowling to him in the IPL. He was super successful against me, but he is an amazing human being.” Sundar expressed during a recent interview on Wisden.

Washington Sundar comments on Gautam Gambhir's coaching during ENG vs IND 2025 Test series

Sundar smashed a fine knock of 101 runs during the second innings of the fourth Test at Old Trafford in Manchester, which helped them draw the clash. Later, in the second innings of the Oval Test, the left-handed batter drilled 53 runs to set a target for the home side, which they eventually went on to win by six runs.

“He has had so much faith in all of us that we would fight at all times and win the game. Glad to see him happy at the end of the series. Credit to them for having such a calm dressing room throughout the series. Their communication was precise and clear on what was expected.” The Tamil Nadu spinner revealed.

There were several criticisms of Gambhir, regarding his team selection, on why he didn’t pick Kuldeep Yadav for the entire series and kept on going with all-rounders. But at the end of the series, it worked and they drew the series 2-2 margin despite being 2-1 down after the third encounter at Lord’s.