Past India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin shared his thoughts about Washington Sundar His role in the Indian T20I set-up, he said, was not fully utilized despite receiving consistent support from the team management. Ashwin believes Sundar remains an important member of the team, but a lack of clarity about his responsibilities has prevented him from making the impact he is capable of.
The discussion followed India’s disappointing 34-run defeat Ireland In the opening T20I in Belfast. Sundar endured a tough outing, conceding 19 runs in his only over before scoring just nine runs off 12 deliveries while batting at No.6 during India’s ill-fated chase of 183.
Ravichandran Ashwin questions Washington Sundar’s role in India’s T20I setup
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin noted that Sundar has earned the trust of the Indian team management but has often been left without a well-defined role on the field. The former India spinner highlighted that while Sundar’s selection was never in doubt, the lack of opportunities with the ball made it difficult for the 26-year-old to contribute consistently.
“The team management has backed Washington Sundar. His place in this Indian team has been confirmed. But I just feel that Washington Sundar is playing in the team but he has no role. He is on the field but only wins once or sometimes not at all,” Ashwin said.
Ashwin wants Sundar to bat as a flyer instead of a finisher
Ashwin also questioned the decision to use Sundar as a finisher in the batting order, insisting that the left-handed all-rounder is better suited to a floater role depending on the state of the match. to draw comparisons with Akhar Patel role under the former Indian captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul DravidAshwin explained that Sundar should be given similar flexibility rather than being pushed to finish games.
“Remember, during the World Cup, vice-captain Axar Patel was dropped in Washington Sundar’s squad against South Africa. That’s the reserve amount Washington Sundar gets. Even in batting, he is used as a finisher and he is not a finisher. He should be used as a floater, the way Rahul and Rohit use Akhar. It feels like the wrong role for Washington.” noted.
India will now look to level the two-match series in the second T20I after Ireland secured a historic win in Belfast. Sundar is expected to retain his place in the playing XI, with the team management hoping he can make a bigger impact if given a more defined role.
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