Washington Sundar has undeniably solidified his position as a key player in the Indian cricket team, particularly with his recent bowling performance in the ongoing Test series against England. After some questions about his inclusion, Sundar delivered a match-winning spell in the third innings of the Lord's Test, claiming four crucial wickets for just 22 runs. What made this performance even more remarkable was that all four of his dismissals were clean bowled, dismantling the stumps of some of England's key batsmen.

Sundar's victims included Joe Root, Ben Stokes, and Jamie Smith, who form the backbone of England's middle order. He clean bowled Root with a ball that drifted in and straightened, while Stokes was deceived by a dipping delivery. Smith, on the other hand, was undone by a ball that skidded through straight, beating him on the inside edge. He also bowled Shoaib Bashir to end England's innings.

This performance not only helped India wrap up the England innings but also etched Sundar's name in the record books. He became the Indian bowler with the joint-most bowled dismissals in an innings in England, alongside Jasprit Bumrah. Furthermore, he achieved the record of inflicting the most bowled dismissals in a Lord's Test. India also created history as they had as many as twelve bowled dismissals in the Test match. It is also a record for India, as they have never had the stumps shattered this many times in a Test ever.

Sundar's success in England is particularly noteworthy considering the conditions, which generally favor seam and swing bowling. His ability to extract turn and control the ball has set him apart as a valuable asset to the team.

Beyond his recent heroics, Sundar has been contributing consistently to the team whenever called upon. In the second Test at Birmingham, he scored a vital 42 runs, adding depth to the batting order. This all-round performance has reinforced his utility to the team, making him a valuable asset in both departments.

Washington Sundar's journey in cricket has been impressive. He made his first-class debut for Tamil Nadu in 2016 and has since represented various teams, including Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He has also represented India in both One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), showcasing his versatility across formats.

With Ravichandran Ashwin's recent retirement, Sundar's emergence as a reliable spinner and valuable all-rounder has further strengthened his case for a permanent spot in the Indian XI. His ability to perform under pressure, adapt to different conditions, and contribute with both bat and ball makes him a complete package. As he continues to hone his skills and gain experience, Washington Sundar has the potential to become a mainstay in the Indian cricket team for years to come.