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Ravi Shastri, the former head coach of the Indian cricket team, has identified Washington Sundar as the player most likely to become India's next genuine all-rounder in Test cricket. This endorsement carries significant weight, considering Shastri's extensive experience with the Indian team and his keen eye for talent. Shastri's comments, made on The ICC Review, highlight Sundar's potential, particularly his bowling ability in home conditions and his natural batting talent. While Nitish Reddy is a rising star, Shastri's focus on Sundar underlines the importance of experience and proven performance at the highest level. Sundar's Test debut at the Gabba in 2021 left a lasting impression, showcasing his temperament and skills under pressure. Despite this promising start, Sundar has not received consistent opportunities in red-ball cricket, a point that Shastri emphasizes as a missed opportunity. The statistics speak for themselves: 545 runs and 30 wickets in 11 Tests represent a solid foundation, but Shastri believes Sundar is capable of achieving much more with consistent backing and game time. Shastri's belief in Sundar stems from what he saw from day one. He emphasizes Sundar as a man who can serve Indian cricket for many years. Shastri has always been vocal about his observations and his early assessment of Sundar only reinforces that. The key aspect, as Shastri sees it, is Sundar's ability to exploit turning tracks in India. He highlights the home Test series against New Zealand in 2024 as a prime example, where Sundar was the joint highest wicket-taker, claiming 16 wickets in four innings. This performance demonstrated his effectiveness against a quality opposition and solidified his credentials as a genuine wicket-taking option on spin-friendly surfaces. Shastri goes on to suggest that Sundar has even out-bowled senior spinners at times, indicating a level of skill and guile that surpasses mere potential. This ability to outperform more experienced bowlers speaks volumes about Sundar's talent and his understanding of the game. His batting prowess is also a significant factor in Shastri's assessment. He emphasizes that Sundar is a naturally talented batsman who is wasted batting at number 8. Shastri believes that Sundar is capable of batting at number 6 in the Test lineup, a position that would allow him to make a more substantial contribution to the team's score. This promotion would also provide Sundar with greater responsibility and the opportunity to develop his batting skills further. The ongoing England series provides further evidence of Sundar's capabilities. His contribution with both bat and ball, particularly his 4/22 in the second innings at Lord's, was instrumental in turning the match in India's favor. The fact that he dismissed key players such as Joe Root, Ben Stokes, and Jamie Smith underscores his ability to perform under pressure and deliver crucial breakthroughs. Shastri also believes that Sundar's technical attributes make him valuable even in overseas conditions. He highlights Sundar's drift, pace, strength in his fingers, and fitness as key assets that allow him to bowl long spells and control the game when needed. The drift is important as it makes it difficult for batsmen to predict the ball's trajectory. The ability to bowl long spells is important especially in Test cricket where the bowlers need to remain in the field for a long duration of time. Shastri’s assessment considers both Sundar's current abilities and his potential for future growth. He believes that Sundar is only 25 years old and that he will continue to improve as he gains more experience and confidence. Shastri also noted about Sundar's ability to maintain a high fitness level which is necessary for him to be able to play for a long time.
The absence of consistent opportunities for Sundar in Test cricket raises questions about the team management's selection policies. Despite his proven performance and the endorsement of a respected figure like Ravi Shastri, Sundar has often found himself on the fringes of the squad. This lack of continuity can hinder a player's development and prevent them from reaching their full potential. The Indian team has struggled to find a reliable all-rounder in recent years, particularly since the decline of Hardik Pandya's bowling form in Test cricket. The need for a player who can contribute significantly with both bat and ball is crucial for the team's balance and success. Sundar's ability to provide both these qualities makes him a valuable asset, and his continued exclusion from the Test team seems perplexing. There might be questions raised about the team balance and the presence of other senior players which often leads to talented players such as Sundar being overlooked. There is also a chance that the other players that play in a similar position may have greater batting prowess or bowling skills. These are the constraints that the team management considers while selecting the final 11 players for a test match. Some have noted about the challenges in adjusting to the different formats. A player that is excellent in the T20 format may not be the best fit for the Test format. This is also a possible explanation of Sundar's inconsistent selection in the Test cricket team. This selection strategy is one of the reasons for the debate around Sundar's continued exclusion. His talent is undeniable, and the need for a genuine all-rounder in the Test team is evident. The team management needs to reassess its approach and provide Sundar with the opportunities he deserves to prove his worth at the highest level. It is important to note that Sundar's journey has not been without its challenges. He has faced injuries and setbacks that have hampered his progress. However, his resilience and determination to overcome these obstacles have been admirable. He has consistently worked hard to improve his skills and maintain his fitness, demonstrating a strong commitment to the game. In addition to his technical abilities, Sundar also possesses a strong mental fortitude, a critical attribute for success in Test cricket. He has shown the ability to handle pressure situations and perform under duress, as evidenced by his debut performance at the Gabba and his crucial contributions in the ongoing England series. His calm and composed demeanor makes him a valuable asset to the team, both on and off the field. As Ravi Shastri emphasized, Washington Sundar has all the attributes to become a genuine all-rounder for India. His talent, skill, and mental fortitude make him a valuable asset to the team. It is now up to the team management to provide him with the opportunities he deserves and allow him to fulfill his potential at the highest level.
The pressure on the Indian team management is substantial. The expectations from fans and experts can be overwhelming. It leads to a lot of debate and discussions around the team selections and the overall performance. The Indian team selection is often described as an exercise in balancing the needs of the team with the pressure to accommodate established players. The team management often faces criticism for its selections, especially when talented players are overlooked. However, it is important to remember that the team management has access to information and insights that are not available to the general public. They consider a variety of factors when making their decisions, including player form, fitness, team balance, and match conditions. While it is important to hold the team management accountable for its decisions, it is also important to acknowledge the challenges they face and respect their judgment. The focus should now be on creating a conducive environment for Sundar to thrive. The team management needs to communicate its expectations clearly and provide him with the support and guidance he needs to develop his skills further. It is important to remember that developing a player takes time and patience. The team management needs to be willing to invest in Sundar's development and provide him with the opportunities he needs to succeed. They need to foster a positive and supportive environment where he feels comfortable taking risks and learning from his mistakes. By creating such an environment, the team management can help Sundar unlock his full potential and become the genuine all-rounder that Ravi Shastri believes he can be. The story of Washington Sundar serves as a reminder of the importance of identifying and nurturing talent. India has a wealth of cricketing talent, but it is essential to provide these players with the opportunities and support they need to succeed. This requires a holistic approach that considers not only their technical skills but also their mental fortitude and their overall well-being. By investing in player development and creating a supportive environment, India can ensure that it continues to produce world-class cricketers for generations to come. The future of Indian cricket looks bright, with a new generation of talented players emerging onto the scene. It is important to nurture these players and provide them with the opportunities they need to succeed. By learning from the past and embracing a forward-thinking approach, India can continue to be a dominant force in world cricket.
Source: Not Nitish Reddy! Ravi Shastri Picks 25-Year-Old As India's Next Genuine Allrounder