Former India head coach and commentator Ravi Shastri is highly optimistic of Washington Sundar, who, he said, has the potential to become a 'genuine' all-rounder for Team India. The 25-year-old off-spinner, who made a memorable Test debut at the Gabba in 2021, has played 11 Tests so far, picking up 30 wickets and scoring 545 runs. Washington performed well in the Lord's Test, picking up four wickets in England's second innings. Hailing the youngster, Shastri - a former India all-rounder himself - said Sundar can contribute to the Indian cricket team for "many, many years."

"I always loved Washington. When I saw him on day one, I said he's the man. And he can be a genuine all-rounder for many, many years for India," Shastri said on The ICC Review.

Shastri also called for more opportunities for Washington in red-ball cricket, especially given his proven ability on turning tracks at home.

"He again is just 25 years of age. I think he should have played a lot more Test cricket. [He] can be lethal in India on tracks where the ball is turning, as New Zealand found out when they played against India. He out-bowled some of the senior spinners. He bowled that well, and he can bat."

Washington ended the home Test series against New Zealand as the joint-highest wicket-taker, finishing with 16 wickets in four innings.

Shastri was at the helm of the Indian team when Washington made his debut in the famous Gabba Test in Brisbane, where India won by three wickets. Washington picked up four wickets in the match. He also made a valuable contribution with the bat, scoring 62 in the first innings and 22 in the second.

Shastri also said that Washington should be promoted in the batting order, as he is capable of handling tougher tasks. "He's a naturally talented batter. He's no number 8. He can go at 6 very soon in the batting lineup."

In the ongoing England series, Washington has made key contributions with both bat and ball. At Lord’s, his 4/22 in the second innings - including the prized scalps of Joe Root, Ben Stokes, and Jamie Smith - swung the match in India’s favour.

Shastri added that Washington's technical attributes make him an asset even in overseas conditions.

"And once he gains confidence, I think he'll get better and better because even overseas he's got the drift, he's got the pace, he's got the strength in his fingers and the fitness. You know, [he can] do both long spells and do the controlling job when needed."