India’s off-spinner Washington Sundar revealed he had no idea that he would be asked to bowl the Super Over by skipper Suryakumar Yadav in the third and final T20I against Sri Lanka at Pallekele on Tuesday. India conceded only eight runs in the last two overs and the match was taken to Super Over.

As Kusal Perera and Kusal Mendis opened for Sri Lanka, Yadav decided to back Washington Sundar, who had returned with impressive figures of 2-23 in his quota of four overs. 

Sundar accounted for Kusal Perera and Pathum Nissanka and the hosts could only manage two runs in the Super Over.

“Honestly, I had no idea that I was going to bowl, but after the batsmen walked out to bat, Surya just turned behind (to look), and he said, ‘Washy, you are on’,” said the off-spinning all-rounder.

Sundar was delighted as he was able to stand tall to the faith shown in him by the captain.

Sundar recalled, “I was very happy to be honest when captain wants you to bowl in tough situations, especially in Super Over, I thought it was a great opportunity for me to step up and win the game for my country and thank God things went well,” he added.

Sundar showered praise on Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership for bringing Rinku Singh in the penultimate over and backing himself to bowl the 20th over when Sri Lanka needed only six runs.

“Honestly, it’s amazing of him, amazing of his leadership skills to be honest because (with) 12 balls (left and) 9 (runs) to win and for him to bring Rinku (on), especially when Kushal Perera is batting, and Rinku got him out and Surya (then) himself came in the last over and won the game for us,” Sundar said.

“We all know he has a big heart when he goes out there to bat but also he has a big heart in terms of leadership as well. All the credits to him and (it was) amazing of him.”

India will now take on Sri Lanka in a three-match ODI series.