Washington Sundar Credits Gambhir and Nehra After Match-Winning Knock in First ODI

India's victory in the first ODI against England was powered by impressive unbeaten half-centuries from Washington Sundar and Axar Patel. Promoted up the order after captain Shubman Gill retired hurt, Sundar remained unbeaten on 52, while Axar finished on 57 not out, guiding India to its first win of the UK tour after KL Rahul's early dismissal.

After the match, Sundar credited Gautam Gambhir and Ashish Nehra for transforming his batting approach. He said Gambhir had clearly defined his batting role two years ago, while Nehra helped him improve further during his time with Gujarat Titans. Axar Patel described his innings as a confidence booster following a disappointing T20 series, adding that proper timing and adapting to the match situation were the keys to his success.