India's all-rounder Washington Sundar doesn't make the Asia Cup lineup, yet he remains a significant figure for the team.
India's Sundar Left Out of Asia Cup Squad Despite Impressive Form
Washington Sundar, the 26-year-old off-spinner from India, has been making waves in the cricket world with his reliable performances across formats. However, his omission from the India's Asia Cup squad for 2025 has raised eyebrows, despite his recent unbeaten century and crucial half-century during the five-Test series against England.
BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained that the decision was primarily about squad balance and selection strategy. The team management preferred another spinning all-rounder, Axar Patel, who was also appointed vice-captain, over Sundar. Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel were picked ahead of Sundar in the spin department for the Asia Cup squad.
Sundar's versatility as a multi-dimensional option for India, capable as both a batter and bowler, is well-known. His recent strong showing in the Test series against England made his omission surprising to fans and experts. However, the selectors emphasized the need for team combination and roles over individual recent form for the Asia Cup squad.
MRF Pace Foundation coach M. Senthilnathan praised Sundar's positivity and ability to stay calm under pressure. He noted that Sundar's focus, work ethic, and the backing of coaches like himself are transforming him into a linchpin for India's future across formats. Senthilnathan believes that Sundar has started well and looks poised to grow.
Sundar himself has adapted from the quick-scoring mindset of T20s to the patience of Test cricket, learning to leave balls outside off-stump and build longer innings. His calmness and consistency in performance have been highlighted, with opponents trying to distract him but receiving answers in the form of key contributions with both bat and ball.
Sundar is seen as the natural successor to Ravichandran Ashwin, blending spin, batting, and fielding to bolster India's all-round strength. He has provided India with control and crucial breakthroughs with the ball, making him an invaluable asset to the team.
Despite his exclusion from the Asia Cup squad, Sundar has been confirmed to "always be in the scheme of things" by Agarkar. With his promising talent and dedication, it is clear that Sundar's journey in cricket is just beginning.
Read also:
- United States tariffs pose a threat to India, necessitating the recruitment of adept negotiators or strategists, similar to those who had influenced Trump's decisions.
- Weekly happenings in the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag)
- Southwest region's most popular posts, accompanied by an inquiry:
- Discussion between Putin and Trump in Alaska could potentially overshadow Ukraine's concerns
