Former India cricketer Kris Srikkanth has strongly questioned Washington Sundar’s inclusion in India’s squad for the upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan, arguing that the all-rounder should have proved his match fitness in competitive cricket before being picked.
Washington Sundar’s return to the Indian T20I setup has sparked debate after the selectors named him in the 15-member squad for the three-match Afghanistan series. However, his participation is still subject to fitness clearance, along with Jasprit Bumrah, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana.
Srikkanth believes being declared medically fit is not enough for a player returning from injury.
Srikkanth Questions Sundar’s Match Fitness
Sundar suffered a right hamstring injury during India’s ODI series against England in July and was ruled out of the third ODI. The BCCI said at the time that he would undergo scans and seek specialist advice for further management.
Srikkanth has now argued that Sundar should have played competitive cricket before being considered for an international comeback.
The former India captain questioned how Sundar could be considered ready for international cricket without first demonstrating his match fitness in a competitive game.
His central argument is that a medical clearance does not automatically mean a player is ready for the intensity of international cricket.
“You can’t just play with a doctor’s certificate.”
Srikkanth believes Sundar should have been given an opportunity to play at some level before returning to the Indian team.
“He Keeps Getting Injured”
Srikkanth also raised concerns about Sundar’s recurring injury problems.
According to the former opener, Sundar has repeatedly struggled to maintain continuity because of injuries. He also questioned the all-rounder’s recent white-ball rhythm, while acknowledging the progress he has made in Test cricket.
Srikkanth feels there is a significant difference between Sundar’s recent impact in Test cricket and his performances in limited-overs cricket.
He argued that the spinner needs to regain his rhythm in white-ball cricket before being relied upon at the international level.
Questions Over Sundar’s White-Ball Form
Srikkanth also pointed to Sundar’s recent performances in white-ball cricket, arguing that the bowler has not looked as convincing as he has in the longer format.
The criticism comes at a time when India are trying to strengthen their T20I combination ahead of a busy international schedule.
Sundar has established himself as a useful all-round option because of his off-spin and lower-order batting, but Srikkanth believes his recent white-ball performances do not automatically justify an immediate return after injury.
What About Nitish Kumar Reddy?
Srikkanth also discussed another player whose availability is dependent on fitness: Nitish Kumar Reddy.
The former cricketer said that if Reddy proves his match fitness, he would prefer him over Shivam Dube in India’s T20I combination.
However, there is a major practical problem: there is very little time left before the Afghanistan series begins.
India’s first T20I against Afghanistan is scheduled for September 13, followed by matches on September 15 and 17, all at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
Srikkanth therefore questioned where Reddy could get a competitive match before the series to prove that he is ready.
Four Players Still Need Fitness Clearance
The selection controversy is part of a broader fitness issue surrounding the Indian team.
Bumrah, Sundar, Reddy and Harshit Rana were all included in the Afghanistan squad with their availability subject to fitness clearance. Reports indicate that the four players are expected to undergo match-simulation tests before the team assembles in Delhi.
That means the final composition of India’s playing XI may not become clear until closer to the opening match.
Afghanistan Series Becomes a Fitness Test
The Afghanistan series could therefore become as much about India’s player availability as it is about the results.
For Sundar, the immediate challenge is to demonstrate that he can return to competitive cricket without another setback. For Reddy and Rana, fitness clearance will determine whether they can make themselves available. And for Bumrah, the selectors will have to balance his importance to the team with the need to manage his workload carefully.
Srikkanth’s criticism has put the spotlight firmly on that selection philosophy.
His message to the selectors is straightforward: medical clearance may prove that a player has recovered from an injury, but competitive cricket is what proves that he is truly match-ready.