Team India's off-spin all-rounder Washington Sundar has returned to national side after almost a year. Being one of the top picks for the shortest format among young players, Sundar missed too many opportunities after enduring an injury lay-off of more than a year. A fit-again Sundar will finally return to action in the ongoing India vs New Zealand limited-overs series. Unfortunately, his much-awaited comeback has been delayed due to rain at Wellington, forcing the series opener to get called off without a ball being bowled.


In an exclusive conversation with PTI, Sundar said his stint at English county side Lancashire can help him do well in the Ind-NZ series.


"I have spent a lot of time at the NCA, my stint at Lancashire was amazing before I got injured, so I've worked a lot on my body, particularly my shoulder," Washington told PTI on Friday ahead of India-New Zealand 1st T20 International. 


"New Zealand is one of my favourite countries, the weather and the people are really pleasant. Since we got here, we spent a lot of time going to restaurants and walking to shops. We enjoy doing those things, enjoy our privacy out here."


A look at Washington Sundar's tryst with injuries


In July 2014, Sundar fractured finger while batting in a warm-up game due to which he missed the entire domestic season. 


After that, he tested Coronavirus positive ahead of limited-overs series in South Africa in January this year.


Sundar sustained a hamstring injury in February-March, forcing him to miss white-ball home series against West Indies and Sri Lanka.


He missed playing five matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL in April-May after suffering a split his webbing.


After an extensive rehabilitation, the BCCI played a role in getting Washington a county deal with Lancashire.


Then again, a left shoulder injury, sustained during a 50-over game for Lancashire, ruled him out of the three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe in August.


He said he will never play football for warm-up before matches.


"It was a weird accident that happened five or six years ago. I was playing football, and broke my ankle. I will never play football in my life! There are so many things to do other than just play football."


Talented opening batter Shubman Gill said his earlier experience of playing in New Zealand could come in handy here.


"I came here for the U19 World Cup. Made my ODI debut here in 2019. Good to come back (to New Zealand). Definitely, I have fond memories coming back to New Zealand. Whenever I know I'll be going to New Zealand it brings a smile," Gill said.


"I have been able to execute a few things I have been working on. It's always about me looking to score than look for four or six. I want to play less dot balls, I want to keep ticking, ones, twos etc.


"I've always felt that hitting sixes isn't about power; it's about timing. It's all about where I am meeting the ball. It's more about you waiting for the ball rather than swinging hard at the ball."


(With PTI Inputs)