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Washington Sundar might have missed the first T20I series against Afghanistan, but he is likely to return for the second game before the all-important Asian Games 2026 in Japan later this month. Before his return, Washington Sundar’s role in India’s T20I setup has come under the spotlight.
With the all-rounder’s ability to finish matches becoming a major talking point, former cricketer Aakash Chopra has highlighted the challenge Sundar faces in finding the right batting position. Earlier, Bhuvneshwar Kumar makes emotional revelation about Team India exit.
Aakash Chopra wants Washington Sundar to bat higher up the order
As the Men in Blue gear up to face Afghanistan in the second T20I on Tuesday (September 15) in Delhi, Aakash Chopra has opined that Washington Sundar needs to be promoted in the batting order to be utilized properly, as he discussed whether he is the right finisher for the team in the format.
The former Indian batter has pointed out that Sundar has shown with Gujarat Titans that he has the skills of a proper top-order batter. He can build an innings and score big runs when given enough time, having amassed 377 runs in 17 matches in IPL 2026.
Aakash Chopra questions Washington Sundar’s role
Aakash Chopra said on CREX, "Washington Sundar’s batting position remains a big question for India. Considering the runs he has scored for the Gujarat Titans and the way he bats, he looks more like a top-order batter. If he gets an opportunity higher up the order, he has the ability to score big and perform consistently with the bat.”
However, India already has several established batters in the top four or five, making it difficult for Sundar to get a regular chance in that position in the shorter format of the game. Amid this, R Ashwin backs T Natarajan for CSK as pacer’s IPL 2027 future hangs in balance.
Because of this, Chopra feels Sundar may have to bat lower down the order, for which he needs to change his approach and become more aggressive from the start. Chopra said, “India already has several strong options in the top four or five, leaving little room for Sundar. As a result, he may have to bat lower down the order and adjust his game accordingly.”
Aakash Chopra’s big warning for Washington Sundar over India T20I role
The cricket pandit feels the all-rounder will need to score quick runs, hit boundaries, and play the role of a finisher. Additionally, Sundar must continue to deliver with the ball. If he can contribute strongly with both bat and ball, Sundar’s place in the T20I team will be safe.
Chopra added, “Sundar will need to become more effective in that role by scoring quickly and contributing with the ball as an economical and wicket-taking bowler.
In T20 cricket, India could eventually face a selection dilemma if he cannot consistently contribute from the lower order. At that position, he will need to make an impact with boundaries while also delivering strongly with the ball.”
Is Washington Sundar the right finisher for India? 👀
— CREX (@Crex_live) September 15, 2026
Aakash Chopra weighs in on the debate surrounding Sundar’s role in India’s T20I setup. 🗣️#WashingtonSundar #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/fKRSVnRUGK
Sundar recently missed India’s Sri Lanka tour because of the hamstring injury that he sustained on the England tour. But he cleared the fitness test at the BCCI CoE and joined the India squad for the ongoing Afghanistan T20I series in Delhi.
