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In 22 50-over matches played so far for the Indian men’s cricket team, Washington Sundar has scored 315 runs and picked up 23 wickets.
According to R Ashwin, India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir highly values Washington due to his batting. (Picture Credit: Sportzpics)
Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin feels Washington Sundar could feature in India’s playing XI in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Sundar is one of the three spin-bowling all-rounders picked in India’s 15-member squad for the eight-team ICC tournament starting on February 19. According to Ashwin, who announced his retirement from international cricket on December 18, 2024, India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir highly values Sundar due to his batting abilities.
“I’m not biased, but Gautam Gambhir highly values Washington due to his batting. He can also be used as a floater,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel while analyzing India’s Champions Trophy squad.
“If you follow the (ODI) World Cup format, you play either Jaddu (Jadeja) or Axar at No. 6, Hardik at 7, and Washington at 8. This allows for three fast bowlers or Kuldeep and two pacers, maintaining balance with Hardik’s all-round skills,” he added.
While analyzing India’s squad, Ashwin feels that Rohit Sharma-led side misses the presence of left-handed batters in the starting XI.
“Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill open, both right-handed. Then there’s Virat Kohli. Shreyas Iyer likely bats at 4, given his strong performance in the World Cup. KL Rahul follows. At No. 6, it’s a choice between Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. Hardik occupies No. 7. We lack left-handed batters in the top seven. Outside the XI, we have Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant,” he explained.
According to Ashwin, young opening batter Yashasvi, who has earned a call-up for England ODIs and the Champions Trophy, will only get a chance to play in the ICC tournament if any player gets injured.
“Jaiswal might only play if someone gets injured. He could have a chance against England. But what if he scores consecutive centuries? One option is to open with Jaiswal and Rohit, pushing Shubman to 3, followed by Virat at 4. This would place either Rishabh Pant or KL Rahul at 5.”
“If Jaiswal plays, Shreyas Iyer would likely be dropped. While unlikely, India must capitalize on Jaiswal’s current form,” he added.
