Washington Sundar thanks Gautam Gambhir for keeping faith in his skills, terms Axar's knock magical

India secured their first win on the England tour after a tough T20I series dominated by losses. Washington Sundar and Axar Patel led a strong all-round performance in the first ODI, helping India gain an advantage and put pressure on the home side.

The Indian cricket team management continues to value all-rounders highly, believing that players who can both bat and bowl provide crucial flexibility. Sundar spoke at the post-match press conference about this approach, acknowledging the challenges and benefits of relying on multi-skilled players in different formats like T20I and ODIs.

Despite struggles in the T20Is where the all-rounder strategy didn’t yield consistent success, the ODI against England showed its potential. Sundar mentioned the faith placed in him by mentors like Gautam Gambhir, who encouraged him to develop his batting. His batting performance has improved, even though he has faced difficulties with bowling.

Alongside Sundar, Axar delivered with both bat and ball, contributing key wickets and strategic runs. The team’s ability to adapt to game situations with multiple options proved decisive in the Birmingham match, underscoring the belief that being an all-rounder is a valuable asset despite evolving formats.

Sundar highlighted that the presence of all-rounders allows the team to stay adaptable and flexible, which is especially important when managing different match situations. He referenced Gurnor Brar’s resilient bowling, noting his ability to bounce back strongly after conceding runs initially, showcasing character and determination.

Axar's contributions were particularly noteworthy as he helped stabilize the innings during critical moments. His batting was described as magical, hitting important boundaries that eased India’s precarious position and helped secure the win. Despite injuries to key players like Shubman Gill, who remains hopeful for recovery in the next match, India is positioned well in the series.

The team remains committed to this all-rounder template, aiming to maintain depth and flexibility as they prepare for future tournaments, including the 2027 ODI World Cup.