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Ravichandran Ashwin made a bold statement about Washington Sundar after the all-rounder was selected for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The former Indian pacer has claimed that the head coach, Gautam Gambhirwill try his best to play Sundar in the tournament.
Ashwin hinted that Gautam Gambhir could go to any limit, even if it means being biased, to include Washington Sundar in the playing XI for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as he likes very versatile turn. India had notably dropped Ashwin in favor of Sundar in the recent tour of Australia.
Ravichandran Ashwin reveals Gautam Gambhir’s strong support for Washington Sundar ahead of ICC Champions Trophy 2025
This decision did not sit well with many as some alleged that this call forced the ace off-spinner to retire from international cricket in the midst of the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. However, Ravichandran Ashwin has highlighted how crucial the left-right combination is in modern cricket, especially with the absence of a player from the side.
Ashwin believes that Washington Sundar is likely to play a pivotal role in India’s batting order, especially at No.8, in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. He noted that Sundar at No.8 will bring great balance to the eight side. – National tournament.
Left hand and right hand combinations are very important in today’s era – Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin said on his YouTube channel, “In today’s era, left and right arm combinations are very important because there is no off-spinner in this team. Your left-arm spinners are there. It is critical spin the strike. I think Washington Sundar will play at number 8. Obviously, as far as I know, Gautam Gambhir likes him and definitely Gautam Gambhir has supported. If Washington reaches 8, your balance changes immediately.”
The former Indian all-rounder believes that if Washington Sundar ascends to the top five, then it would be the real game changer as it could unlock a new level of balance and dynamism for India. However, he mentioned that the way Gautam Gambhir is supporting Sundar, there is a good chance that he will play in the top five.
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Ashwin further explained, “I think Washington Sundar will have a slightly higher role in the batting order. Going forward, playing at 4 or 5 and bowling will give you that balance. Just think about it. If the balance off of the spinner is in the top 5, it changes the dynamic. He has to bat in the top 5, then it opens a whole new door for you.”
Notably, Washington Sundar has so far represented India in 14 ODIs and has scored 315 runs at an average of 24.23, including a half-century. In his List A career, Sundar has 983 runs in 56 innings at an average of 21.84 with two half-centuries to his name. He had scored 152 runs against Delhi while batting at No.3 last year and later staged a comeback for the last two matches of the three-match Test. series against New Zealand. However, New Zealand had whitewashed India in this series.
