NEW DELHI: Washington Sundar's rising reputation as one of India's most versatile all-rounders was highlighted when he was named the 'Impact Player of the Series' following India's 2-1 T20I series win in Australia.

In a behind-the-scenes video titled Dressing Room BTS, posted by the BCCI on Sunday, Sundar was seen beaming as team operations manager Rahil Khaja handed him the award.

"Coming over here and getting an opportunity to play in Australia is amazing, and to have contributed to the team's victory makes me definitely happy," said the 26-year-old Sundar after receiving the medal.

Sundar's performances throughout the series showcased his immense value as a versatile asset in India's T20I setup.

In the third T20I at Hobart, Sundar was promoted up the order despite not being used as a bowler. He top-scored with a blistering 49 off 23 balls, smashing four sixes and three boundaries to guide India to a five-wicket win, leveling the series 1-1.

In the fourth T20I, Sundar was held back with the ball until the death overs but made an instant impact, claiming three wickets in just five deliveries across two overs and triggering an Australian collapse that secured India’s 48-run victory.

The series was ultimately sealed 2-1 for the Suryakumar Yadav-led side after the fifth T20I at the Gabba was washed out on Saturday. Sundar also took a moment to acknowledge the contribution of the team's COO, Rahil Khaja.

"It's such a great feeling to get this medal from him. We know the kind of work he (Khaja) puts in every single day to make a lot of our jobs very easy," he said.

An emotional Khaja, too, shared his delight: "I mean, the first time in my life... I'm just like, looking at this. Actually, we've done this."

Sundar's overall T20I record from 57 matches is impressive. He has a bowling average of just over 22 with an economy under seven, and a batting strike rate exceeding 134.

An all-format player, he is also an utility man for Team India in the Tests, having taken 35 wickets from 15 matches with three four and one five-wicket hauls. He also has one century and five fifties while averaging 44.76.

The 'Impact Player-of-the-Series' is a relatively new honour introduced by the BCCI to recognise individuals who make decisive contributions in a bilateral series.

In the preceding ODI series against Australia in October, Indian stalwart Rohit Sharma had received the same award.

Rohit, who possibly played his last ODI series on Australian soil, finished as the top run-scorer with 202 runs in three matches, including an unbeaten century in the final ODI.

His stellar effort earned him both the Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards.

(With PTI Inputs)