Last Updated: September 18, 2023, 14:53 IST
The internet was quick to point out all-rounder, Washington Sundar’s contribution to India’s Asia Cup with all kinds of memes. (Image: X)
The Internet started pouring with memes about Washington Sundar’s contribution in Team India’s run to winning the Asia Cup 2023.
The 2023 Asia Cup triumph has undoubtedly become a special memory for Washington Sundar. The young all-rounder was not part of India’s initial squad for the continental tournament. But he was called up for the final to replace Axar Patel, who was ruled out of the crucial fixture due to multiple niggles sustained in the last Super 4 game against Bangladesh. Sundar was included in India’s playing eleven against Sri Lanka straight away. But he neither got the opportunity to bowl nor to bat as the Indian pace unit, led by Mohammad Siraj, bundled out Sri Lanka for just 50 runs in just 15.2 overs. In reply, the Men in Blue lost no wicket, with the opening pair of Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan sailing them across the victory line at ease.
After India took home their record-extending eighth Asia Cup title, fans were quick to point at Washington Sundar’s contribution to the victory in the final. Some took a sarcastic dig at Sundar, saying the cricketer travelled all the way to Sri Lanka, only to field for 15.2 overs. One fan came up with an interesting fact that Sundar is the first Indian cricket to feature in “a title-winning international tournament without batting, bowling or taking a catch.”
Another fan listed Washington Sundar’s schedule for the last few days. He touched down in Sri Lanka on September 16 and only after two days, he flew back to India as an Asia Cup champion.
– On Sep 16, Washington Sundar was called up as an injury replacement for Axar Patel.– Sep 16 – He flies to Sri Lanka.– Sep 16 – He joined the squad in Sri Lanka.– Sep 17 – Saw him in the Playing XI for the Asia Cup 2023 Final.– Sep 17- He contributed to their team’s victory… pic.twitter.com/DTse530A9l— Vipin Tiwari (@vipintiwari952) September 17, 2023
In a bid to underline Washington Sundar’s feelings after the Asia Cup victory, a fan dropped a hilarious meme reference on X (formerly known as Twitter).
As the stats suggest, Washington Sunday has played just two games against Sri Lanka this year. Interestingly, India emerged victorious on both occasions quite comfortably but Sundar bowled or batted in none of the matches.
Washington Sundar played just 2 matches against Sri Lanka this year.Jan 2023 – India won by record 317 runsWashy neither batted nor bowled
Sep 2023 – India won by record 263 balls remainingWashy neither batted nor bowled#INDvSL #AsiaCupFinal
— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) September 17, 2023
Here are some other reactions:
Indian pacer Mohammad Siraj deserves many credits for India’s dominant performance in the Asia Cup final. Winning the toss, Sri Lankan captain Dasuk Shakana elected to bat first, perhaps assuming the wicket in Colombo would initially come in handy for batters. The Indian pacers, however, altered the equation in a spectacular fashion.
Jasprit Bumrah tasted the maiden success in the very first over. It then turned out to be a one-man show, with Siraj ripping through the Sri Lankan top order. He picked up four wickets in the fourth over, bringing the opponents down to their knees. Only two batters from Sri Lanka managed to record a two-digit score. Thanks to his match-winning 6-wicket spell, Siraj was named the player of the match.