The cricketing world is abuzz after a pointed critique from one of India’s modern greats. Following the national team’s underwhelming performance against South Africa, **Ravichandran Ashwin** has taken direct aim at new head coach **Gautam Gambhir**, demanding crystal-clear instructions on the **Washington Sundar role** within the ODI setup. The core of Ashwin’s argument is simple yet powerful: if you pick Sundar, know exactly why you’ve picked him and let him fulfill that purpose.
Table of Contents
- Ashwin’s Blistering Critique on Sundar’s Deployment
- The Washington Sundar Role: Bowler or Batter?
- Gambhir Under Fire for Questionable Team Balance
- Nitish Kumar Reddy: A Better All-Rounder Option?
- India’s Persistent Finisher Crisis
- Conclusion: Clarity is the New Currency
- Sources
Ashwin’s Blistering Critique on Sundar’s Deployment
Ashwin, never one to mince words, expressed his frustration with how Sundar has been utilized in the recent series. His message to the team management was unequivocal: “Once you decide to play Washington Sundar, you must treat him as a **bowler who can bat**,” Ashwin stated . The underlying issue, according to the legendary off-spinner, is a lack of trust and a clear mandate from the top. By not allowing Sundar to bowl his full quota of overs, the management is essentially confusing the player and the opposition, leading to a diluted team strategy .
The Washington Sundar Role: Bowler or Batter?
This isn’t the first time the **Washington Sundar role** has been a topic of debate. A technically sound batter and a handy left-arm spinner, Sundar often finds himself in a selection grey area. Is he in the XI to shore up the lower-middle order, or is he there to provide a crucial 10-over bowling spell? Ashwin argues that this duality is the problem. For a team that has struggled with its bowling depth, especially in the middle overs, Sundar’s primary value lies in his bowling. Expecting him to be a finisher, a role for which he hasn’t been groomed, is a recipe for failure .
Gambhir Under Fire for Questionable Team Balance
The criticism is part of a larger wave of discontent directed at head coach Gautam Gambhir. His push for an all-rounder-heavy squad has been scrutinized for creating a team that lacks a clear identity . The recent whitewash in the Test series and the close losses in the ODIs against South Africa have amplified these concerns . Critics argue that by trying to fit too many part-time options, the management has sacrificed specialist excellence. Ashwin’s comments are a direct reflection of this growing unease within the cricketing community about the current strategic direction .
Nitish Kumar Reddy: A Better All-Rounder Option?
In his critique, Ashwin didn’t just point out the problem; he also suggested a potential solution. He questioned whether a more potent fast-bowling all-rounder like the young **Nitish Kumar Reddy** might be a better fit for the current Indian side . At just 22 years old, Reddy is a right-handed batter and a right-arm medium-fast bowler who has shown immense promise in domestic cricket. His profile—a genuine all-rounder who can contribute with both bat and ball in a more impactful manner—might be what the team needs to address its bowling limitations, especially in overseas conditions .
Who is Nitish Kumar Reddy?
For those unfamiliar, Nitish Kumar Reddy’s journey is a classic Indian cricket story. Hailing from Visakhapatnam, he announced his arrival on the big stage by smashing a colossal 441 runs in the 2017-18 Vijay Merchant Trophy . His ability to bowl a full 10-over spell and bat aggressively in the middle order makes him a contrasting figure to Sundar, offering a different kind of balance to the team .
India’s Persistent Finisher Crisis
Ashwin’s comments also touch on India’s long-standing struggle to find a reliable finisher in white-ball cricket. Since the era of MS Dhoni, the team has cycled through numerous players in the No. 6 and 7 spots, from Hardik Pandya to Shivam Dube, but has yet to find a permanent solution . This context is crucial. By thrusting a player like Sundar, who is more of an accumulator than a destroyer, into this high-pressure role, the management is setting him up for failure and, by extension, the team.
Conclusion: Clarity is the New Currency
The debate sparked by Ashwin’s comments goes beyond a single player. It’s about the fundamental philosophy of team selection and player management. In today’s high-stakes cricket, where every role is magnified, ambiguity is a luxury no top team can afford. Whether it’s defining the **Washington Sundar role** or exploring the potential of a talent like Nitish Kumar Reddy, the Indian team management, led by Gautam Gambhir, needs to move from a policy of confusion to one of absolute clarity. The team’s success in the upcoming ICC events may well depend on it. For more on India’s all-rounder conundrum, check out our deep dive into [INTERNAL_LINK:india-all-rounder-search].
Sources
Times of India: Gambhir under fire! ‘Stop confusing him’: Ex-India star blasts team management
Hindustan Times: Ashwin unhappy with Washington Sundar’s deployment, demands Gautam Gambhir to define his role
News18: R. Ashwin responds to Gautam Gambhir’s criticism after South Africa series loss
The Indian Express: What can a coach do?: R Ashwin comes to Gautam Gambhir’s defence but questions planning
Times of India: “Once you decide to play Washington Sundar, you must treat him as a bowler who can bat,” Ashwin said.
ICC: Nitish Kumar Reddy Profile – ICC Ranking, Age, Career
ESPNcricinfo: Nitish Kumar Reddy – Profile and Stats
The Hindu: Nitish Kumar Reddy’s rise through the junior ranks