In a significant move that could influence Hampshire’s County Championship campaign, India’s rising all-rounder Washington Sundar has joined the English county team for their last two matches of the 2025 season. The 25-year-old is not part of India’s Asia Cup squad. He will strengthen Hampshire’s lineup as they prepare to face Somerset and Surrey, two of the toughest teams in the competition.
A signing we are certain of 😏
Welcome, Washi 👋🇮🇳
Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar will join the Rose and Crown for our final two @countychamp matches 😍
📰 Full story 👉 https://t.co/vJL4yvFDQG pic.twitter.com/7sUIUhNgqT---Advertisement---— Hampshire Cricket (@hantscricket) September 11, 2025
A Timely Signing for Hampshire
Hampshire’s Director of Cricket, Giles White, praised the Indian all-rounder, emphasizing the potential impact Sundar could have in the team’s important final games. “We’re delighted to bring Washington to the club for the County Championship,” White told BBC Sport. “He had an excellent series against England this summer, and he’ll play a key role with two big games coming up against Somerset and Surrey.”
White’s confidence in Sundar is well placed. During India’s recent Test series against England, Sundar proved to be a game-changer both with the bat and the ball. Over four matches, he scored 284 runs, including a memorable century, and took seven wickets, affirming his value as a true all-rounder.
The County Cricket Connection
This is not Sundar’s first experience with English domestic cricket. In 2022, he played for Lancashire in both the County Championship and the One-Day Cup, impressing with his control and temperament in different conditions. That experience, along with his recent success in England with Team India, makes him a strategic and experienced signing for Hampshire.
His arrival also continues a recent trend of young Indian talent taking part in the County Championship. Tilak Varma, another emerging Indian star, played for Hampshire earlier in the season. Ruturaj Gaikwad was scheduled to play for Yorkshire but eventually withdrew. Sundar’s time in Hampshire is not just about development; it’s about performing in high-stakes matches.
Filling Ashwin’s Shoes and Making His Own Path
With the retirement of veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, Washington Sundar is stepping into a more important role in India’s Test setup. Alongside Ravindra Jadeja, Sundar is being developed as a long-term batting all-rounder. He can anchor the innings, add runs in the lower order, and provide key breakthroughs with his off-spin.
In just 13 Test matches, he has scored 752 runs at an average of 44.2 and taken 32 wickets, including a five-wicket haul and three four-wicket performances. These numbers reflect not just his talent but also his maturity, which is rare for a player still early in his international career.
A Crucial Step Before Bigger Tests
As India looks ahead to a busy international calendar in 2026, this stint with Hampshire gives Sundar an excellent chance to stay match-ready, keep learning, and challenge himself in tough conditions. For Hampshire, this is an opportunity to gain a high-class all-rounder who is eager to make an impact.
With the County Championship nearing its end, all eyes will be on Washington Sundar as he wears the Hampshire colors and takes on two of the strongest teams in the competition. If his previous performances are any indication, expect composure, consistency, and a quiet storm brewing with both bat and ball.
