"He is not as consistent as..." - Sunrisers Hyderabad coach's big verdict on Abhishek Sharma, Washington Sundar

Sunrisers Hyderabad's assistant coach J Hariesh has revealed that Abhishek Sharma is not as consistent as Washington Sundar when it comes to discipline in the bowling department. After India's T20 World Cup 2024 win recently, Ravindra Jadeja was one of the few names to retire from the T20I format.

After Jadeja's retirement, an allrounder's spot is up for grabs in India's T20I line-up. While Axar Patel seems to be the first choice to replace Jadeja at No. 7, India will be looking for another spin-bowling all-rounder who can be included in the Playing XI in case the conditions are spin-friendly.

Abhishek Sharma and Washington Sundar can fulfill that role given the abilities as an allrounder. While Abhishek is a top-order batter and can bowl left-arm spin, Sundar is an offspinner who can contribute crucial runs in the lower order. Both have their own qualities and it will be interesting to see who performs better to grab this spot.

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Sunrisers Hyderabad coach J Hariesh's big verdict on Abhishek Sharma and Washington Sundar

Being the assistant batting coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad, J Hariesh has observed both youngsters from close quarters as both play for SRH in the IPL. During a chat with The Times of India, Hariesh mentioned that Washington Sundar is more consistent than Abhishek Sharma.

"Washi (Washington Sundar) is a bowler who is very consistent in his line and length. Abhishek has quite a few variations. He has the arm ball and one that he bowls through the seam with the new ball, which is very deceptive. But he is not as consistent as Washi," J Hariesh said to TOI.

"That is true," Hariesh replied when asked if both Abhishek Sharma and Washington Sundar are playing for the same spot in the team. "Abhishek (Sharma) is an opening batter and is more destructive than Washi in T20s. His bat flow is superb. Abhishek is a great asset against the spinners as well as the new ball bowlers," Hariesh added.

Abhishek Sharma and Washington Sundar in IPL 2024

While both Abhishek Sharma and Washington Sundar were part of Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2024, Sundar played just 2 matches and picked up a solitary wicket as compared to Abhishek Sharma, who played all the matches for the team.

Abhishek had a breakthrough year as he scored 484 runs in 16 matches at an average of 32.26 and an outstanding strike rate of 204.21. He is seen as a long-term prospect for India in terms of their new aggressive approach at the top order.

Both the players were part of India's squad for the tour of Zimbabwe. Abhishek Sharma scored 124 runs in five matches at an average of 31 and a strike rate of 174.64. He also completed his maiden international century in his second match off just 46 balls. The left-arm spinner also picked up two wickets in the series.

Meanwhile, Washington Sundar did not have a big role to play with the bat but picked up 8 wickets in five matches at an average of 11.62 and an economy rate of 5.16. Sundar finished as the second-highest wicket-taker of the series and was also adjudged the Player of the Series.