Ravichandran Ashwin Advocates for Role Clarity for Washington Sundar in Indian Team

Ravichandran Ashwin has voiced the importance of providing Washington Sundar with clear role definitions within the Indian cricket team. He believes that without proper guidance, Sundar may struggle to establish his identity as a player. Ashwin's comments come after India's recent ODIs against South Africa, where the team faced challenges in finishing their innings effectively. He also suggested the inclusion of Nitish Kumar Reddy as a potential finisher in the lineup. This article delves into Ashwin's insights and the implications for the team's strategy moving forward.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 5, 2025, 13:43 IST

Ashwin's Call for Clarity in Team Roles

New Delhi: Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has emphasized the need for the Indian cricket management to clarify Washington Sundar's role within the team. He cautioned that without this clarity, Sundar might struggle to find his identity as a player.

Ashwin highlighted that Washington should be regarded as a primary bowling all-rounder and should be allowed to bowl a complete set of overs to gain confidence with his batting. In the first two ODIs against South Africa, Sundar has bowled just seven overs and has yet to claim a wicket.

"When you opt to include Washington Sundar, he must be utilized as a bowler who can also bat. It’s essential to allow him to bowl his full quota of overs," Ashwin stated on his YouTube channel.

"If he continues to bowl, he will develop the mindset of a bowler who can bat effectively. However, if he only bats and bowls sporadically, he will remain uncertain about his role. Therefore, it’s crucial for the team to provide him with clear role definitions," he added.

In the second ODI, India was unable to defend a total of 358 runs, leading to South Africa leveling the three-match series with a four-wicket victory. The team had narrowly won the first ODI with a score of 348.

Ashwin also pointed out that the absence of Hardik Pandya left the team without a reliable finisher and questioned whether a suitable replacement was overlooked.

India struggled to finish their innings effectively in both ODIs. Ashwin remarked, "Given the lack of a finisher like Hardik Pandya, why wasn’t a similarly powerful player like Nitish Kumar Reddy included?"

He proposed that Nitish Kumar Reddy should have been part of the playing XI instead of Washington.

"I’m uncertain if Rishabh Pant is being considered as a finisher. India is currently lacking that finishing touch. Shouldn’t an additional fast-bowling all-rounder be included instead of a spinning all-rounder?" he concluded.