ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Ravichandran Ashwin exposes Gautam Gambhir's bias toward this player
Published - 21 Jan 2025, 06:45 PM | Updated - 21 Jan 2025, 11:36 PM
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Ravichandran Ashwin made a bold statement on Washington Sundar after the all-rounder was selected for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The former Indian off-spinner has claimed that the head coach, Gautam Gambhir, will do everything to play Sundar in the tournament.
Ashwin hinted that Gautam Gambhir could go to any limits, even if it means being biased, to include Washington Sundar in the playing XI in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, as he likes the spin all-rounder so much. Notably, India had dropped Ashwin in favor of Sundar on the recent Australia tour.
Ravichandran Ashwin reveals Gautam Gambhir’s strong backing for Washington Sundar ahead of ICC Champions Trophy 2025
This decision didn’t sit well with many, as some alleged that this call forced the ace off-spinner to retire from international cricket in the middle of the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. However, Ravichandran Ashwin has highlighted how crucial the left-right combination is in modern cricket, especially with the absence of an off-spinner in the team.
Ashwin believes that Washington Sundar is likely to play a pivotal role in India's batting order, especially at No. 8, in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. He has pointed out that Sundar at No. 8 will bring great balance to the side for the eight-nation tournament.
Left and right-hand combinations are very important in today's age: Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin said on his YouTube channel: “In today’s age, left- and right-hand combinations are very important because there are no off-spinners in this team. Your left-arm spinners are there. It is crucial to rotate the strike. I feel that Washington Sundar will play at No. 8 for sure. There are two things. Obviously, as far as I know, Gautam Gambhir really likes him. He rates him, and definitely, Gautam Gambhir has backed him. If Washington comes in 8, your balance changes immediately.”
The former Indian all-rounder feels if Washington Sundar gets promoted to the top five, then it would be the real game-changer, as it could unlock a new level of balance and dynamism for India. However, he mentioned that the way Gautam Gambhir supports Sundar, there are high chances of him playing in the top five.
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Ravichandran Ashwin calls for Washington Sundar's promotion in the batting order
Ashwin further explained, “I feel that Washington Sundar will have a slightly higher role in the batting order. In the future, playing at 4 or 5 and bowling will give you that balance. Just think about it. If the off-spinner balance is in the top 5, it changes the dynamics. He has to bat in the top 5, then it opens up a completely new gate for you. It throws a lot of options.”
Notably, Washington Sundar has so far represented India in 14 ODIs and scored 315 runs at an average of 24.23, including one half-century. In his List A career, Sundar has 983 runs in 56 innings, averaging 21.84, with two half-centuries to his name. He had scored 152 runs against Delhi while batting at No. 3 last year and later made a comeback for the final two matches of the three-match Test series against New Zealand. However, New Zealand had whitewashed India in that series.
