Veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has made a strong public appeal to the national team management, calling for definitive role clarity for fellow cricketer Washington Sundar. Ashwin emphasized that once selected, Sundar must be utilized fully as a bowling all-rounder, not left in a state of uncertainty about his primary function in the side.
Ashwin's Direct Appeal on Social Media
The appeal came via Ashwin's popular YouTube channel on December 5, 2025. In his analysis, Ashwin did not mince words, stating a clear philosophy for how the talented Tamil Nadu player should be handled. "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," Ashwin asserted. This statement cuts to the heart of a long-standing debate about Sundar's optimal positioning within the Indian cricket setup.
The Core of the Argument: A Bowler First
Ashwin's comments suggest that Sundar's potential is being underutilized or misread. By framing him as "a bowler who can bat," Ashwin is advocating for Sundar to be seen primarily through the lens of his bowling prowess. This implies that his four overs in T20s or ten overs in ODIs should be non-negotiable, forming a crucial part of the team's bowling strategy. His capable batting, then, becomes a valuable bonus lower down the order.
The alternative, which Ashwin implicitly warns against, is a vague role where Sundar is picked as a bits-and-pieces player, unsure if he is there as a batting backup or a bowling option. This lack of definition can impact a player's confidence and performance, leaving them "searching for who he is" on the field.
Implications for Team Strategy and Sundar's Career
This public endorsement from a senior teammate and strategic thinker like Ashwin carries significant weight. It highlights an internal conversation about resource management within the Indian team. For Washington Sundar, clear role clarity could be the key to unlocking consistency and cementing his place in the squad.
When a player knows his primary job, he can tailor his training and mindset accordingly. For Sundar, accepting the role of a frontline bowler who contributes with the bat could simplify his approach and allow his natural skills to flourish. The call from Ashwin is ultimately one for better-defined plans and trust in the player's core strength.
The ball is now in the court of the team management and selectors. They must decide whether to heed this advice and deploy Washington Sundar with the specific, bowling-heavy mandate that Ashwin recommends for the all-rounder's and the team's greater good.
