Washington Sundar feels his hardwork paid off

Mohali [Punjab], Dec 12 (ANI): Washington Sundar, who, at the last minute was called into the Indian ODI side against Sri Lanka, believes that it was his hard work which helped him earn the Indian team's blue jersey.

The young cricketer from Tamil Nadu has not just earned his maiden call for the Indian ODI side as replacement for an injured Kedar Jadhav, but just five days back, had also made it into the T20 side which fill follow the 50-overs format series against Sri Lanka.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of India' second ODI match against Lanka, Sundar said, "I think for any cricketer playing for India is the utmost dream right from the beginning and for me to have gotten the opportunity at the age of 18 is a very great feeling, it is a very good feeling.

I am very happy about that and yeah, I have prepared a lot for this result. I think I trust a lot in my preparation, I think it has paid off and all I have to do is go there and perform and win the game for my country."

The 18-year-old was not included in the first ODI match against Sri Lanka played in Dharamshala but will look forward to make his India debut when the Men in Blue will take the Lankan Lions in a series savior match in Mohali.

"I have to be ready to bowl ten overs and should be ready to contribute with the bat despite of the position I play at, Sundar quipped about his preparation to be featured in the playing XI.

Talking about his preferred batting position in the team, he said, "I want to bat where my team wants me to bat, wherever it might be. That is the kind of batsman I would want to be talked about, so yeah, I should be able to fill in the boots the management are looking for and I hope I will be able to do that."

Reacting to the mood in the dressing room, the lanky all-rounder said that he did not feel like a new guy in the team.

"It did feel home to me," he said.

India will play the second ODI against Sri Lanka on Wednesday in Mohali. Sri Lanka is currently leading the series 1-0 after defeating the hosts by seven wickets in first match. (ANI)