Anand Sundaram

Born in the unassuming town of Leuven, Belgium, on 10th August 1987, Anand Sundaram’s cricketing voyage is a testament to passion transcending geography. While Belgium isn’t traditionally linked with cricketing folklore, Anand found his calling in the sport at a young age, fuelled by his family, who hailed from cricket-mad Southern India. His early years saw him playing in the parks of Leuven, often improvising with makeshift gear, which perhaps sowed the seeds for his adaptable batting approach that would later become his hallmark.

Anand's journey from a rookie to a professional cricketer was far from straightforward. His talent manifested vividly during a friendly fixture against a touring team from England, where his natural flair with the bat caught the eye of talent scouts. It wasn’t long before he graduated to the Belgian national team, making his professional debut in the burgeoning European cricket scene. His debut was marked by a gritty half-century, immediately signalling his arrival on an international stage.

Over the years, Anand Sundaram etched his name into the annals of European cricket with a series of remarkable achievements. He played a vital role in Belgium's surprise triumph in the 2014 ICC European Division 1 Championship, where his calm yet assertive batting led Belgium to several improbable victories. Anand developed a reputation as a clutch performer, often rising to the occasion in high-pressure situations.

His rivalry with the Dutch team has been particularly engaging. It was in a tense encounter with the Netherlands where Anand played one of the most memorable innings of his career, a match-winning century that remains etched in the memories of fans on both sides of the border. This innings, characterised by his fearless strokeplay and tactical acumen, showcased his ability to adapt his game according to the needs of the situation—whether counter-attacking or consolidating based on the match context.

Though primarily known for his batting prowess, Anand occasionally rolled his arm over with his versatile bowling skills, providing breakthroughs when least expected. His contributions off the field, inspiring a young generation of Belgian cricketers, are as significant as his achievements on it.

Anand Sundaram’s mark on the game lies not just in records and statistics but also in how he navigated the unlikely path from Belgium’s fields to the heart of European cricket, proving that the spirit of the sport recognises no borders.

Batting Stats

Bowling Stats