Washington Sundar’s father refutes criticism on Indian cricket selectors; only shared my disappointment

Dubai: M. Sundar, father of India all-rounder Washington Sundar, has clarified his recent comments that appeared to question the national selectors over his son’s inconsistent opportunities. Following media reports that quoted him criticising the selection policy, Sundar told Gulf News that his remarks were taken out of context and that he meant no disrespect to the BCCI or team management.

“I did neither blame any individual nor the selection committee,” Sundar said. “The conversation was taken out of context. Washington was not lucky, but had to wait for his time even after scoring 85 not out and 96 not out after making his debut in 2021. Even in the IPL, he didn’t get the chance to prove his mettle and hence he was short on match time. I was only sharing my disappointment during the interview.”

The clarification comes after his earlier comments to The Times of India, where he expressed frustration at his son’s sporadic appearances across formats despite delivering under pressure. “Washington has been doing very well consistently. However, people tend to avoid and forget his performances. Other players get regular chances, only my son doesn’t get them,” he was quoted in the media.

The comments triggered speculation of tension between the Sundar camp and Indian cricket’s leadership ahead of the crucial fifth and final Test, beginning at The Oval on Thursday. The 25-year-old, who was omitted from the playing XI in the opening Test at Headingley, returned in the second Test at Edgbaston. Since then, he has delivered standout performances, including a four-wicket haul at Lord’s and a crucial unbeaten century in the fourth Test at Old Trafford.

M. Sundar, however, was keen to express his appreciation for those who supported his son’s comeback.

“I take this opportunity to thank the BCCI for giving Washington the chance to return to the team, and a special appreciation to coach Gautam Gambhir, who has helped bring out the best in him, starting from the New Zealand tour. I have huge respect for the head coach. Why would I criticise the BCCI or the selectors when my son is doing well and risk spoiling his future prospects?” he said.

Washington, for his part, has kept a dignified silence through the episode. After his century at No 5 in the fourth Test helped India level the series, the all-rounder was asked in a post-match interview whether captain Shubman Gill had “forgotten” about his bowling skills in the first innings.

“I’m not giving any headlines this time,” Washington replied with a smile, deflecting the question with humour as Stuart Broad and Nasser Hussain laughed beside him.

Promoted up the order in the absence of Rishabh Pant, Washington seized his chance with a composed 101 not out, sharing a vital stand with Ravindra Jadeja. “This Test hundred feels very special,” he told Cheteshwar Pujara in a chat for JioHotstar. “I just wanted to fight for an entire day — that was the message from the coach.”

The entire episode echoes a familiar pattern in Indian cricket — where strong-willed fathers occasionally stir controversy after their sons break through. From Lala Amarnath and Yograj Singh to Ravichandran Ashwin’s father, M. Sundar now joins a long list of outspoken parents whose passion sometimes spills into public friction.

For now, Washington Sundar seems focused on letting his cricket speak louder than anything else.