Former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan raised doubts about Washington Sundar’s role in the ODI setup after the second match against South Africa in Raipur. Although India posted a strong total of 358 runs, their bowling failed to defend it, resulting in a final-over loss. Sundar had another disappointing match with both bat and ball.
Batting at No. 6, he scored just one run from eight deliveries, slowing down India’s momentum. With the ball, he bowled only four overs and was costly, giving away 28 runs without taking a wicket. While speaking on Cricbuzz, Zaheer discussed the uncertainty surrounding the all-rounder’s role in the Indian team.
“Washington Sundar’s role needs to have clarity. If there is going to be dew around and the spinners are going to find it tough, you know that after a certain point they might go out of the game. In that scenario, a seam bowler can give you that cushion.”
He further added:
“So India will have to do that proactive change in the decider where you have the option of bringing in Nitish Reddy in place of one of the spinners to make that sixth bowling option which creates an advantage.”
Zaheer Khan predicts Nitish Kumar Reddy’s inclusion in India’s XI for 3rd ODI
Zaheer Khan recommended that Team India bring in pace-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy in place of Washington Sundar for the series-deciding match against South Africa. The former fast bowler feels that the dewy conditions during the second innings call for an extra seamer rather than a third spinner.
“I think Nitish Kumar Reddy comes in. That’s one call they’ll have to make. In place of maybe Washington Sundar at this stage. That’s how it’s looking. If you need a left-hander in the middle, you can still go to Ravindra Jadeja and use his services as a batter. If there is dew and you again land up in a similar situation, then you’ll need a seam option,” said Zaheer (via the aforementioned source).
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