I Used To Question Washington Sundar’s Promotion As A Batsman, Reveals Mohammad Kaif

Washington Sundar’s knock in the ongoing Test against Australia in Brisbane has surprised many and former India batsman Mohammad Kaif has admitted he is not an exception either. The former cricketer expressed his surprise over the youngster’s superb display with the bat and as he did not think the lanky off-spinner had batting potential.

Washington Sundar scored a classy innings of 62 runs on the third day of Test and bailed India out of trouble. Playing his maiden Test, he joined Rishabh Pant in the middle when India were reduced to 161 for 5. Minutes later, Rishabh Pant departed too as India found themselves reeling at 186 for 5 in reply to Australia’s first innings total of 369.

A big lead for Australia was looking likely after India lost all of their recognised batsmen for less than 200 runs. However, Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur went on to score fine fifties while sharing a 123-run stand to help India post 336. Thakur was out for 67 while Washington Sundar scored 62 with the help of seven fours and a six.

Washington Sundar looked at ease even against the new ball as he played some classy shots during his knock. He rarely went for any slog and scored mainly with straight bat. With the youngster now proving his prowess, Mohammad Kaif has revealed he used to question the player’s promotion up the order.

“When it was being said that he could bat, he was sent up the order quite a few times in the IPL and even for the Indian team, I used to question that because I felt he is not a good batsman, and his record is not that good,” said Mohammad Kaif while speaking on Sony Sports Network.

“But today after watching him play, I admit my mistake and agree that he has the potential and the talent. The Indian team management should help him to enhance his game further. His innings today shows that he has the ability for us to back him, and he should be given the opportunities,” he added.

But despite being impressed by Washington Sundar’s batting, Mohammad Kaif has advised the Indian team-management to treat the player as a bowling allrounder and not move him up the order because of his batting ability.

“But they should not make the mistake of considering him as a batsman. His main game should be his bowling, and batting comes after that. At times, the Indian team becomes tempted to send him up the order now that he can bat. They should keep his (batting) number the same and focus on his bowling,” said Kaif.

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