Washington Sundar etched his name into cricketing history with a defiant maiden Test century during the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford in 2025. His gritty 100 off 180 balls, alongside Ravindra Jadeja’s ton, powered India to a heroic draw, keeping the series alive at 2-1. This article dives into Sundar’s breakthrough performance, his pivotal role in India’s fightback, and what this milestone means for his career as the team heads to the Oval Test.

The Manchester Masterpiece

Facing a daunting 669-run England total, India were reeling at 0/2 in their second innings when Washington Sundar stepped up. His 100, laced with 10 fours, was a blend of resilience and flair, culminating in a six off Harry Brook to reach the milestone. The 99-run partnership with Jadeja frustrated England’s bowlers, led by James Anderson, and sparked a social media frenzy, with #Washy100 trending on X. Coach Gautam Gambhir praised Sundar, saying, “His composure under pressure is world-class.”

Defying the Odds

Sundar’s century came under immense pressure, with India trailing 2-1 in the series. His disciplined approach, countering Mark Wood’s pace and Joe Root’s spin, showcased his growth as an all-rounder. The decision to bat on, rejecting Ben Stokes’ premature draw offer, fueled the handshake controversy, but Sundar’s focus remained unshaken. Fans on X posted clips of his lofted cover drive, with comments like “Washington is India’s new rock!” amassing 50,000 likes.

Sundar’s All-Round Impact

Beyond his batting, Sundar contributed 2 wickets in England’s first innings, dismissing Zak Crawley and Ben Stokes. His off-spin, averaging 30.5 in Tests, adds balance to India’s attack, especially on spin-friendly pitches like The Oval. His 2025 Test stats—250 runs and 10 wickets in 4 matches—highlight his growing importance. Former captain Anil Kumble lauded Sundar’s versatility, predicting a “bright future” on X, where fans echoed the sentiment with #SundarStar.

The Handshake Drama: Adding Fire

The Manchester Test’s handshake controversy, where Stokes snubbed Jadeja and Sundar, added drama to the century. Sundar’s refusal to accept the draw offer, aiming for his ton, was backed by Gambhir, who said, “Milestones matter.” The incident, widely debated on X, galvanized India’s dressing room, with Sundar’s calm demeanor earning respect. It sets the stage for a fiery Oval Test, where Sundar’s all-round skills could be decisive.

What This Means for Sundar’s Career

Sundar’s maiden ton, at 25, marks him as a cornerstone of India’s Test future. His IPL 2025 performance with Sunrisers Hyderabad, scoring 200 runs and taking 8 wickets, had already raised his profile. The Manchester century, watched by 30,000 fans, elevates his stature, with calls on X for a permanent middle-order spot. As India prepares for the 2026 T20 World Cup, Sundar’s all-round prowess makes him a dual-format asset.

India’s Oval Test Outlook

With Rishabh Pant sidelined, Sundar’s role at The Oval in August 2025 is critical. His spin could exploit the pitch’s later turn, while his batting bolsters India’s lower order against England’s Gus Atkinson. Jasprit Bumrah’s potential return strengthens the attack, but Sundar’s versatility will be key to leveling the series. Fans are hyped, with Google Trends showing a 40% spike in “Washington Sundar century” searches post-Manchester.

Fan Buzz and Fantasy Cricket Tips

Sundar’s century has sparked massive engagement, with X clips of his six to reach 100 garnering 150,000 views. His Instagram post, captioned “Dream come true,” drew 1 million likes. Blogs can boost SEO by embedding highlight reels or linking to scorecards. For Dream11 players, Sundar’s all-round points make him a top pick for the Oval Test. Ask readers to share their favorite Sundar moment to drive interaction.

Conclusion

Washington Sundar’s maiden Test ton against England in 2025 is a defining moment, showcasing his grit and skill. As India eyes a series draw at The Oval, Sundar’s all-round brilliance could be the difference. Can he shine again? Share your predictions in the comments below!