Washington Sundar's recent performances in the Test series against England have garnered high praise from former Australian captain Greg Chappell, who believes the young all-rounder is poised for a significant international career. Sundar's contributions with both bat and ball have not only impressed fans but also led Chappell to predict a long and successful stint for him in the Indian team.

In a recent column for ESPN Cricinfo, Chappell commended Sundar's skills and highlighted his potential to become a premier all-rounder for India. Chappell stated he "will be surprised if Washington Sundar doesn't establish himself as the team's premier all-rounder, who I expect to play in excess of 50 Tests". This bold prediction underscores the immense faith Chappell has in Sundar's abilities and his potential to become a mainstay in the Indian Test side.

The 25-year-old Sundar has showcased his all-round capabilities throughout the series against England. In the four matches he played, he amassed 284 runs and claimed seven wickets. His contributions were particularly notable in critical situations, proving his value as a clutch performer. In the second innings of the Lord's Test, Sundar took four wickets. He also scored an unbeaten century (101*) at number five in the second innings of the Manchester Test. Furthermore, in the fifth Test at The Oval, Sundar's quickfire 53 off 46 balls, including four fours and six sixes, helped India set a challenging target of 374. His crucial last-wicket partnership of 39 runs with Prasidh Krishna further solidified India's position.

Sundar's ability to perform under pressure and contribute in crucial moments has made him a vital asset for Team India. His calm demeanor and aggressive intent, as noted by his childhood coach M. Senthilnathan, allow him to respond effectively to challenging situations and unsettle the opposition. Sundar's knack for forming key partnerships and rotating the strike demonstrates his maturity and understanding of the game.

Since making his Test debut against Australia in January 2021 at The Gabba, Brisbane, Sundar has participated in 13 matches, securing 32 wickets and scoring 752 runs. His consistent performance and growing confidence have positioned him as a reliable all-rounder in the purest format of the game.

Chappell also lauded Mohammed Siraj's contribution to India's competitiveness in the series. He noted Siraj's evolution throughout the series, highlighting his increased intensity and leadership qualities, especially in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah.

While Sundar's performance has been widely appreciated, former India cricketer Aakash Chopra did not include him in his combined India-England XI, opting instead for Ravindra Jadeja and Ben Stokes as the all-rounders. This decision underscores the competition for spots in the team and the high standards expected of players at the international level.

Despite this, Greg Chappell's prediction reflects a strong belief in Washington Sundar's potential to become a mainstay in the Indian Test team. Sundar's recent performances, coupled with his demonstrated ability to contribute in both batting and bowling departments, suggest a promising future for the young all-rounder.