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 off-spinner claimed that the head coach, Gautam Gambhirwill do anything to make Sundar play in the tournament.
Ashwin has hinted that Gautam Gambhir may go to great lengths, even if it means being biased, to include Washington Sundar in the playing XI for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 because he likes the spin all-rounder so much. Notably, India dropped Ashwin in favor of Sundar in the recent Australian tour.
Ravichandran Ashwin reveals Gautam Gambhir’s strong support for Washington Sundar ahead of ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Many did not like this decision, as some claimed that this call forced the non-cricket ace to retire from international cricket in the midst of the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. However, Ravichandran Ashwin highlighted how crucial the left-right combination is in modern cricket, especially with the absence of off-spinners in the team.
Ashwin believes that Washington Sundar is likely to play a key role in India’s batting order, especially at No. 8, in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. He pointed out that Sundar at No. 8 will bring great balance to the side for the eight-nation tournament.
Left hand and right hand combinations are very important in today’s age: Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin said on his YouTube channel, “In this day and age, left-arm and right-arm combinations are very important because there are no non-spinners in this team. Your left hand spinners are there. The key is to rotate the shot. I feel that Washington Sundar will definitely play at number 8. There are two things. Apparently, as far as I know, Gautam Gambhir is very fond of him. He rates him, and definitely, Gautam Gambhir has backed him. If Washington comes at 8, your balance changes immediately.”
The former India all-rounder feels that if Washington Sundar is promoted to the top five, it would be a 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 are good chances of him playing in the top five.
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Ashwin further explained, “I feel Washington Sundar will have a bit more of a role in the batting order. In the future playing 4 or 5 and bowling will give you that balance. Just think about it. If the off-spinner’s balance is in the top 5, it changes the dynamic. It has to hit the top 5, and then it opens a whole new door for you. He throws a lot of options.”
Notably, Washington Sundar has so far represented India in 14 ODIs and has scored 315 runs at an average of 24.23, including one half-century. In his List A career, Sundar has 983 runs in 56 innings at an average of 21.84, with two back-to-back half-centuries. He scored 152 runs against Delhi while at number three last year and later returned in the last two matches of the three-match Test series against New Zealand. However, New Zealand whitewashed India in that series.
