Ravichandran Ashwin criticizes Sundar’s limited-overs usage, backs role clarity for all-rounders

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has called on the team management to use Washington Sundar more effectively in the ongoing ODI series against South Africa. Sundar has bowled just seven overs across the first two matches, prompting concerns over his role clarity and confidence.

Ashwin, who hails from the same state as Sundar, stressed that the all-rounder must be treated primarily as a bowler who can bat. “Once you have decided to play Washington Sundar, you have to treat him as a bowler who can bat. You’ve got to bowl out his overs. Only if he keeps bowling will he have the mindset of a bowler who can bat. Otherwise, if he just bats and bowls a few overs, he’ll keep searching who he is. Don’t leave him in that space, give him proper role clarity,” Ashwin said in a YouTube video.

The former India spinner also questioned the team’s approach to replacing the injured Hardik Pandya. Ashwin felt that Nitish Kumar Reddy, a like-for-like replacement, should have been included in the playing XI. “India didn’t finish well with the bat in both ODIs. Especially without a finisher like Hardik, why didn’t a similarly powerful Nitish Kumar Reddy play? I’m not sure if they are looking at Rishabh Pant as a finisher. India needs that finishing punch. Should an extra fast-bowling all-rounder play instead of a spin-bowling all-rounder?” he added.

Sundar’s inconsistent batting position has also been a concern. In the recently concluded Test series, he batted anywhere from No. 3 to no. 8, which has affected his confidence and rhythm. After losing the second ODI in Raipur, India will aim to bounce back in the series-deciding third ODI at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam on Saturday, December 6.