Washington Sundar's name mystery solved. Check details
In the world of Indian cricket, where legendary names like Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Rahul Dravid, and Jasprit Bumrah have etched their place in history, one cricketer stands out not just for his talent but also for his unique name — Washington Sundar. While his cricketing journey has been impressive, fans are often more intrigued by the origin of his name than his on-field performances. Many people mistakenly believe that Washington Sundar has some connection with the United States, which led to his unusual first name. However, the real story is rooted in a humble and emotional past, completely unrelated to America.
His father, M. Sundar, named him “Washington” as a tribute to a kind-hearted man named P.D. Washington, who had helped him financially and emotionally during his younger days when he struggled to pursue his own cricketing dreams. P.D. Washington supported M. Sundar like a mentor and father figure, and as a gesture of gratitude, he decided to honor him by naming his son after him. Today, while Washington Sundar continues to shine on the cricket field, his name carries a heartwarming legacy that makes his identity even more special.
The story of Washington Sundar’s name traces back to his father, M. Sundar, who dreamt of playing for Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy. Growing up in modest circumstances, M. Sundar faced many financial hurdles in pursuing his cricketing passion. During this time, a retired ex-serviceman named P.D. Washington became a guiding light in his life.
Living just a few lanes away in Triplicane, Chennai, P.D. Washington was a passionate cricket fan who frequently visited the Marina ground, where young Sundar practiced. He noticed Sundar’s talent and determination despite his financial struggles and stepped in to help. P.D. Washington supported him selflessly — buying cricket kits, paying school fees, gifting books, and even cycling to the ground to encourage him during practice.
"Washington was very fond of cricket and would come to watch us play at the Marina ground. He loved my game. I was poor, and he would buy me uniforms, pay my school fees, bring me books, take me to the ground on his bicycle, and constantly cheer me on. For me, he was everything. He was the happiest person when I joined the Ranji probables," stated M. Sundar.
Sadly, P.D. Washington passed away in 1999, just months before the birth of M. Sundar’s first child. When his son was born after a difficult delivery, M. Sundar faced an emotional decision. According to Hindu tradition, the name of a god like 'Srinivasan' is usually whispered into a newborn’s ear. However, Sundar chose a different path. To honour the memory of the man who had supported him through tough times, he decided to name his son after him. In a heartfelt tribute to P.D. Washington’s kindness and generosity, the baby was named Washington. Today, Washington Sundar carries not only a unique name but also a legacy of gratitude, support, and deep respect for a true well-wisher.
