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The article centers on the frustration of M Sundar, father of Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar, regarding the perceived inconsistent treatment his son receives from cricket selectors. He voices his disappointment over Washington's frequent exclusion from the national team, even after delivering impactful performances. M Sundar believes his son is unfairly judged, citing instances where a single failure leads to being dropped, while other players receive more consistent opportunities. This sense of injustice fuels his criticism, as he highlights specific instances where Washington performed exceptionally well, yet his efforts seem to be quickly forgotten or overlooked by those responsible for team selection. The article showcases the emotional investment and protective instinct of a parent who believes his child's talent and dedication are not being adequately recognized. He contrasts Washington's situation with that of other players who benefit from consistent backing and extended opportunities, suggesting a bias or lack of appreciation for Washington's contributions. The essence of the article is a father's plea for fairness and a chance for his son to showcase his full potential on a consistent basis. The father directly questions whether other Indian cricketers have been held to the same stringent standards as his son, and suggests that the selectors should review his performances more carefully. He emphasizes the mental fortitude Washington has developed, born from enduring such perceived unfairness, which is now manifesting in his improved performances. The article also details Sundar's impactful performances in the Nidahas Trophy, showcasing his potential on the international stage early in his career. He further mentions that Sundar was dropped for 11 straight matches by RCB in the IPL, which negatively affected his mentality. His impressive knock in the IPL 2025 Eliminator against Mumbai Indians is also highlighted as evidence of his capabilities, reinforcing the argument that consistent opportunities are crucial for nurturing talent and maximizing performance. He draws a comparison with Yashasvi Jaiswal, who received strong support from Rajasthan Royals, to further illustrate the importance of a consistent run in a team for a player to flourish. In the concluding section of the article, the father expresses his frustration that Washington hasn't been given a consistent run even in domestic cricket, hindering his chances of proving his worth. Overall, the article presents a compelling case for Washington Sundar, arguing that he deserves a more consistent and fair chance to represent India and showcase his talent on the international stage. The father's perspective provides a powerful voice for a player who seemingly struggles to consistently break into the national team, despite his proven abilities and impactful performances. The plea for a fair and consistent opportunity forms the core message of the article, aiming to shed light on the potential injustice faced by Washington Sundar.
Expanding further on the context of Washington Sundar's situation, it's crucial to understand the intensely competitive landscape of Indian cricket. The sheer volume of talented players vying for limited spots in the national team creates an environment where even slight inconsistencies or perceived weaknesses can lead to exclusion. All-rounders, like Washington, often face an even greater challenge, as they are assessed not only on their batting prowess but also on their bowling effectiveness and fielding capabilities. The selectors are tasked with balancing the team's composition, considering various factors such as the match conditions, the opponent's strengths and weaknesses, and the availability of players. In this complex selection process, players can easily fall victim to tactical considerations or perceived mismatches. It's possible that Washington's intermittent appearances are not solely due to a lack of faith in his abilities, but rather a consequence of the specific team requirements for particular matches. His role as a spin-bowling all-rounder might be deemed less crucial on pitches that favor seam bowlers, or against opponents who are less susceptible to spin. The perception of inconsistency can also be amplified by the high expectations placed on Indian cricketers. The pressure to perform consistently at the highest level can be immense, and any dip in form is often met with swift criticism and calls for replacement. In this demanding environment, it's easy for a player's confidence to be shaken, especially when opportunities are sporadic. Therefore, creating a supportive and nurturing environment is crucial for young talents to flourish and reach their full potential. A lack of consistent backing can be detrimental to a player's mental well-being and overall performance. Understanding these underlying dynamics can provide a more nuanced perspective on Washington Sundar's situation. While his father's concerns are valid and reflect the natural desire to protect his son, it's also important to acknowledge the complexities involved in team selection at the highest level of cricket. It is clear that the competition is cut-throat and every individual is expected to showcase peak performance.
Furthermore, the article implicitly raises broader questions about the criteria used by selectors in Indian cricket. While on-field performances are undoubtedly a primary factor, other considerations such as team dynamics, leadership qualities, and potential future growth often play a role. The selectors must also account for the age profile of the team, ensuring a blend of experienced players and emerging talents. Balancing these diverse factors is a challenging task, and it's inevitable that some selection decisions will be met with criticism or disagreement. However, transparency and open communication can help mitigate potential misunderstandings and foster a greater sense of trust between players, selectors, and the public. In Washington Sundar's case, providing clear feedback on areas for improvement and outlining a defined role within the team could help alleviate some of the uncertainty and frustration he may be experiencing. By fostering a culture of constructive dialogue, selectors can encourage players to proactively address their weaknesses and contribute more effectively to the team's success. Moreover, the article touches upon the role of domestic cricket in nurturing talent and providing consistent opportunities for players to hone their skills. A strong and vibrant domestic circuit is essential for identifying and developing future international stars. However, if domestic performances are not adequately recognized or rewarded, it can create a sense of disconnect and disillusionment among aspiring cricketers. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure that domestic cricket is valued and supported, and that players who consistently perform well at the domestic level are given opportunities to prove themselves on the international stage. The father's concerns over lack of consistent opportunities also extend to the IPL, one of the world's biggest and most competitive T20 leagues. Players must grab every single opportunity they get, in order to maintain their place in the team, due to how competitive the league is. A player could become extremely valuable to a certain franchise, but be completely benched at the next franchise. The franchise ecosystem adds a unique dynamic to this equation.
Source: Washington Sundar's father hits out at selectors: 'One failure and he's dropped'