IND vs SA: “He’ll keep searching who he is”- Ravi Ashwin unhappy with team management not giving a clear role to Washington Sundar

Ravi Ashwin also feels that India haven’t been able to finish the innings on a high.

Former Indian cricketer Ravi Ashwin has demanded proper clarity for Washington Sundar in the Indian ODI side ahead of the last game against South Africa. He said that team management should not leave him in the searching space and treat him as a bowler who can bat.

The Indian team management has left many confused with their usage of Washington Sundar in the ongoing ODI series against South Africa. The all-rounder hasn’t been utilised much as a bowler and hasn’t been given a fixed batting position as well. 

In the first ODI in Ranchi, Washington Sundar batted at five but failed to deliver, managing just 13. In the second match in Raipur, he came out at six and got run out for a ball. And with the ball, he has been given just a total of seven overs across the two matches, where he has failed to pick up any wickets.

You’ve to treat him as a bowler who can bat – Ravi Ashwin on Washington Sundar

Ravi Ashwin pointed out the usage of Washington Sundar, saying that if the all-rounder continues in the same manner, he will keep searching for who he is. He added that the team management should give him proper clarity. Speaking in a video posted on his YouTube channel, he said:

“Once you have decided to play Washington Sundar, you’ve to treat him as a bowler who can bat. You’ve to bowl out his overs. Only if he keeps bowling, he’ll have the mindset of a bowler who can bat. 

“Otherwise if he just bats and bowls a few overs, he’ll keep searching for who he is. So don’t leave him in the searching space. Instead, the team should arrive at giving him the proper role clarity.”

India are not able to provide that finishing punch – Ravi Ashwin 

Ravi Ashwin also expressed his concerns over India not being able to finish the innings on a high.  He put forward the suggestion, saying that in the absence of Hardik Pandya, team should try Nitish Kumar Reddy. He added: 

“India also didn’t finish well with the bat in both ODIs. Especially when you don’t have a finisher like Hardik Pandya, why didn’t a similarly powerful Nitish Kumar Reddy play? I am not sure if they are looking at Rishabh Pant as a finisher or not. India are not able to provide that finishing punch. So should an extra fast-bowling allrounder play instead of a spinning allrounder?”

The ODI series between India and South Africa is leveled at 1-1. The last match of the series will be played on December 6 in Visakhapatnam. 

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