"Still learning": Washington Sundar publicly called out by India coach

Indian assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has opened up on strategies ahead of the series-deciding final match of the India vs South Africa ODI series. From adapting to tougher conditions to the probability of winning tosses and Washington Sundar's role in the ODI team, he had shed light on almost every aspect of the game.

India lost the match in Raipur despite having set a target of 359 runs, as South Africa chased a record total on foreign soil for the first time. After the loss, several loopholes have been spotted in India's mindset as well as gameplay, and Ryan Ten Doeschate has cleared their stance ahead of the decider in Vishakhapatnam.

Ryan ten Doeschate justifies India's poor run-rate in the death overs at Raipur

Indian Assistant Coach Ryan Ten Doeschate attended the pre-match press conference for India and gave clarifications on their strategies in the previous game, which India eventually lost despite having scored many runs.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

As some felt that India might have slowed down towards the end of the innings, especially with Virat Kohli's dismissal, Ten Doeschate explains that it is an element of responsibility, and players have to adapt to conditions.

"There is an element of responsibility that comes into it. I think we have done pretty well. The slight slowdown was due to the wicket getting tougher. We did take into account the dew factor. The dew factor is so big here," said Ryan ten Doeschate.

There is an element of responsibility comes into it. I think we have done pretty well. The slight slow down was due to the wicket getting tougher.

We did take into account the dew factor. The dew factor is so big here: Ryan ten Doeschate.

— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) December 5, 2025

"We started in the first game, we thought 320 was par. Then it was 350-360. Yes, you have to maximise, but you have to find ways in tougher conditions," he added, claiming that India scored the maximum runs possible, keeping in mind all the aspects of the game.

I don't think so. We started in the first game, we thought 320 was par. Then it was 350-360. Yes, you have to maximise but you have to find ways in tougher conditions - Ten Doeschate.

— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) December 5, 2025

"We are winning 1 in a million." Ten Doeschate reflects on India's fate in tosses

India might have won and lost matches; the past year has been a roller-coaster ride for the Indian team. But one thing that has remained constant for the Men in Blue is their fate in coin tosses.

Be it ICC events or the Asia Cup, be it Tests or One-Days, be it Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant or KL Rahul, be it in England, India or Australia, the Men in Blue have kept losing tosses.

Speaking of the same, Ryan Ten Doeschate joked, "We are winning 1 in a million. Jokes aside, it is about preparation. Eventually, we will win a toss."

We are winning 1 in a million. Jokes aside, it is about preparation. Eventually, we will win a toss - Ten Doeschate.

— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) December 5, 2025

Indian coach reveals the real reason behind the limited use of Washington Sundar at Raipur

India did not make use of Washington Sundar with the ball, especially after handing him 3 overs in the game as the first spin bowling option in Raipur. The Indian coach has revealed that, considering the conditions of the game and the track, 20 overs of additional spin bowling could not be used.

"In those conditions, you can't bowl 20 overs of spin. Washington is still learning, he is confident. He has had a very good 12 months. He is working on certain things, like with five fielders outside the circle while batting," said Ryan ten Doeschate.

However, this has clearly posed a threat to India's tactics, as if multiple spinners are not needed to bowl on such surfaces, then why is India not considering a regular batter like Rishabh Pant in the XI, instead of all-rounder Washington Sundar, who has failed to be promising in a finishing role?

In those conditions, you can't bowl 20 overs of spin. Washington is still learning, he is confident. He has had a very good 12 months. He is working on certain things like with five fielders outside the circle while batting - Ryan ten Doeschate.

— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) December 5, 2025

ALSO READ: Virat Kohli pushed to partner Rohit Sharma as opener in 2027 World Cup