East India off spinner Ravichandran Ashwin shared his thoughts on Washington Sundar’s role in the Indian T20I setup, pointing out that the all-rounder has not been utilized effectively despite receiving consistent support from the team management. Ashwin believes that Sundar remains an important member of the team, but the lack of clarity around his responsibilities has prevented him from making the impact that he is capable of.
This discussion came after India’s disappointing 34-run defeat ireland In the opening T20I in Belfast. Sundar faced a tough outing, conceding 19 runs in his only over and scoring just nine runs from 12 balls while batting at No. 6 during India’s unsuccessful chase of 183.
Ravichandran Ashwin questions Washington Sundar’s role in India’s T20I setup
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin pointed out that Sundar has earned the trust of the Indian team management but is often left without a clearly defined role on the field. The former India spinner stressed that while Sundar’s selection has never been in doubt, the lack of opportunities with the ball has made it difficult for the 26-year-old to contribute consistently.
“The team management has supported Washington Sundar. His place is confirmed in this Indian team. But I just feel that Washington Sundar plays in the team, but he does not have a role. He is on the field but he gets just one over, or sometimes he does not get an over at all.” Ashwin said.
Ashwin wants Sundar to bat as a floater instead of a finisher
Ashwin also questioned the decision to use Sundar as a finisher in the batting order and insisted that the left-handed all-rounder is better suited to a floating role depending on the match situation. comparing with Akshar Patel’s Role under former India captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul DravidAshwin explained that Sundar should be given the same flexibility rather than being pushed into finishing the game.
“If you remember, during the World Cup against South Africa, vice-captain Axar Patel was dropped in place of Washington Sundar. Washington Sundar is getting so much backup. Even in batting, he is being used as a finisher, and he is not a finisher. He should be used as a floater, like Rahul and Rohit used Axar. This seems to be somewhat like using Washington Sundar in the wrong role.” He commented.
After Ireland achieved a historic win in Belfast, India will now look to level the two-match series in the second T20 match. Sundar is expected to retain his place in the playing eleven, with the team management hopeful that he can make a greater impact if he is handed a more clearly defined role.
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