R Ashwin Urges Role Clarity for Washington Sundar
R Ashwin has emphasized the need for clear role definition for all-rounder Washington Sundar following India’s second ODI against South Africa. Sundar’s fluctuating batting positions and limited bowling opportunities, scoring 13 and 1 in the two matches and bowling just seven overs, prompted Ashwin to call for proper role clarity to maximize his impact.
R Ashwin highlighted that Sundar’s Role Needs Definition
R Ashwin highlighted that Sundar should be treated primarily as a bowling all-rounder. “Once you have decided to play Washington Sundar, you’ve to treat him as a bowler who can bat. You’ve to bowl out his overs. Only if he keeps bowling, he’ll have the mindset of a bowler who can bat. Otherwise, he keeps searching who he is,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. The veteran spinner stressed that without consistent bowling responsibility, Sundar’s performance and confidence can suffer.
Suggestion for Nitish Reddy
Ashwin also suggested exploring the inclusion of fast-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy to provide finishing strength in place of Hardik Pandya. He questioned India’s strategy with finishers, noting that the team lacked a strong closing presence in the absence of Pandya. Ashwin said, “India are not able to provide that finishing punch. So should an extra fast-bowling allrounder play instead of a spinning allrounder?”
Series Context
The three-match ODI series between India and South Africa is evenly poised at 1-1. India won the first ODI by 17 runs in Ranchi, while South Africa executed a record chase of 359 runs in Raipur, tying the joint-highest target against India in ODIs. Ashwin’s observations come amid the team’s need to adapt strategy for the decider.
Sundar’s Potential Impact
Washington Sundar possesses the skill set to influence matches as a genuine bowling all-rounder. Properly defined batting and bowling responsibilities could allow him to contribute consistently with both bat and ball. Assigning him a full quota of 10 overs would help Sundar build confidence, sharpen his skills, and relieve the team of over-reliance on primary bowlers.
Team Strategy for Decider
For the series decider, Ashwin’s recommendations could prove crucial. Balancing Sundar’s role and considering Nitish Reddy as a finishing option would strengthen India’s lineup. The hosts need a combination of reliable finishers and flexible bowling all-rounders to counter South Africa’s aggressive batting in high-pressure situations.
Key Takeaways
- Role Clarity: Sundar should be treated as a bowling all-rounder with a full quota of overs.
- Finishing Power: India may benefit from adding Nitish Reddy to provide finishing punch in Pandya’s absence.
- Series Context: ODI series stands at 1-1; decider will test India’s strategic adjustments.
- Performance Boost: Defined roles can enhance Sundar’s confidence and overall team balance.
R Ashwin’s insights underline the importance of role clarity in modern cricket, emphasizing that proper planning and player utilization can be decisive in closely contested ODI series.
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