Ravichandran Ashwin Washington Sundar made a bold statement after the all-rounder was selected for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The former Indian pacer has claimed that the head coach, Gautam GambhirHe will do everything to play with Sundar in the tournament.
Ashwin hinted that Gautam Gambhir could go to any lengths, even if it means taking sides, to include Washington Sundar in the playing XI in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, as he likes all-rounder so much. Notably, India 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 2025 ICC Champions Trophy
This decision did not sit well with many, with some claiming that this call forced the ace to retire from international cricket in the middle of the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 tournament. However, Ravichandran Ashwin highlighted how important the left-right combination is in modern cricket, especially with the absence of an off-spinner in the team.
Ashwin believes Washington Sundar is likely to play a pivotal role in India's batting order, especially at number eight, in the upcoming 2025 Champions Trophy. He pointed out that Sundar in the eighth position will bring great balance to the team for the eight. -Nation Championship.
Ravichandran Ashwin Left-right combinations are very important in today's era
“In this day and age, left-handed and right-handed combinations are very important because there are no off-spinners in this team. Left-arm spinners are there. It is very important to rotate the strike. I feel Washington Sundar will play at No. 8,” Ravichandran Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. Sure. There are two things. Obviously, as far as I know, Gautam Gambhir really likes him, and Gautam Gambhir certainly backs him if Washington comes in at number eight Your balance instantly.
The former Indian pacer feels that if Washington Sundar is promoted to the top five, it will be the real game-changer, as it could open up a new level of balance and dynamism for India. However, he mentioned that the way Gautam Gambhir is backing Sundar, there are high chances of playing in the top five.
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Ashwin further explained: “I feel Washington Sundar will have a slightly higher role in the batting order. In the future, playing at 4 or 5 and bowling will give you that balance. Just think about it. If the off-spinner is in the top 5, it changes the dynamics.” He has to bat in the top five, then it opens a whole new gate for you. It brings up a lot of options.”
Notably, Washington Sundar has so far represented India in 14 ODIs and scored 315 runs at an average of 24.23, including a half-century. In his List A career, Sundar has taken 983 runs in 56 innings, at an average of 21.84, with two half-centuries to his name. He scored 152 runs against Delhi while batting at number three last year and later returned in the final two matches of the three-match Test. series Against New Zealand. However, New Zealand whitewashed India in that series.
