On the final day of the fourth Test in Manchester, Washington Sundar stood tall for India when it mattered the most.
With the series on the line and India under serious pressure, Sundar brought out one of his best performances in his career so far, helping India survive and manage a draw in the Test match.
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This result not only denied England a 3-1 lead, but also gave India a chance to level the series in the fifth and final Test starting July 31 at The Oval.
How did Washington Sundar turn the match around for India?
When Sundar came to bat, India were struggling at 223/4. Both KL Rahul and Shubman Gill had fallen just before lunch, and England were sensing a win. England were attacking, and the pressure was building.
But Sundar didn’t panic. He batted patiently with Ravindra Jadeja, and together they blocked out the entire post-lunch session. They pushed India from 223/4 at lunch to 322/4 at tea, and gave the visitors a slender 11-run lead.
A maiden Test century for Washington Sundar at Old Trafford 👏#WTC27 | #ENGvIND 📝: https://t.co/FGxBigGy6J pic.twitter.com/1Vd0trQuQm
— ICC (@ICC) July 27, 2025
The momentum slowly shifted. India had found hope. Sundar and Jadeja stitched an unbeaten stand of 203 runs.
They batted through testing conditions, handled short balls and mind games, and didn’t let the pressure get to them. By the final hour, India had completely turned the match on its head.
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Jadeja smashed a six to reach his century, and Washington completed his maiden ton as well, and that was the end.
Fans are comparing Washington Sundar to Jacques Kallis
What stood out most in Sundar’s innings wasn’t just the runs but the way he soaked up pressure.
He wore down England’s bowlers with calm shot selection. This knock, which came on a deteriorating surface with the team under pressure, made it more special.
Since Kallis, has there been an all-rounder with as much potential to be a genuine top-four batter and a frontline bowler as Washington Sundar? Still only 25. Insane ceiling.#ENGvsIND
— Rohit Sankar (@imRohit_SN) July 27, 2025
Many fans on social media began comparing his all-round abilities to those of the legendary Jacques Kallis, a player who could bat long and contribute decisively with both the bat and ball.
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Here are some of the reactions:
This is only Washington Sundar's 12th Test, and he has already been involved in 5 century stands and 5 half-century stands...( And he added 48 runs with Shardul too in 1st innings)
— Abhishek AB (@ABsay_ek) July 27, 2025
Interestingly, all 5 of his century partnerships have come with different batters ; a sign of his… pic.twitter.com/UZtrin4lLn
Washington Sundar is a generational Test cricketer in the making. Almost every time he has worn the whites, he has delivered in both the departments. He’s not a luxury, he’s a necessity. Play him in EVERY single Test irrespective of conditions or combinations.
— Prithvi (@Prithvi10_) July 27, 2025
Nothing more beautiful in cricket than seeing Washington Sundar play a defensive block with soft hands
— Nakul (@nakul707) July 27, 2025
Just sucks the soul out of opposing bowlers and fans