Gautam Gambhir under fire from critics! ‘Stop confusing him’: Former Indian star slams team management | Cricket News
Former India player Ravichandran Ashwin has called on head coach Gautam Gambhir to provide Washington Sundar with clear direction ahead of the third and final ODI against South Africa in Vizag. The three-match series saw Sundar struggle to make a significant impact, raising further concerns over how the team management intends to use him. Sundar was shuffled in the batting order in the first two matches, coming in at No. 5 in the series opener before being relegated to No. 6 in the second match. The uncertainty was reflected in his returns: scores of 13 and 1, and a total of seven overs with the ball, without a wicket. His limited involvement has added to the debate around his place in the XI.
Ashwinspeaking on his YouTube channel, said that Sundar should be treated as a lead bowler who can contribute with the bat, and not the other way around. “Once you decide to play Washington Sundar, you have to treat him like a bowler who can hit,” Ashwin said. “He needs to get his full set of overs. Only then will he think like a bowler who can bat. If he just bats and bowls a few overs, he will continue to look for who he is. Don’t leave him in that space. Give him proper role clarity.” Ashwin also highlighted India’s lack of finishing power with the bat. Despite being 284 for 4 after 40 overs in the second ODI, India finished with just 358. He wondered if the team could be better served with a fast bowling all-rounder such as Nitish Kumar Reddy in place of Sundar. “India did not finish their two matches well,” he said. “Without someone like Hardik Pandya, why didn’t a powerful finisher like Nitish Kumar Reddy try? I don’t know if they see Rishabh pants as a finisher. India lacks punch at the end. Should a fast bowling all-rounder play instead of a spinner? Ashwin added that with India’s bowling resources depleted, this team might regularly need 30-40 more runs to feel safe, especially if Jasprit Bumrah is not available. “We have lost many experienced bowlers in Tests and white-ball cricket,” he said. “The
