3 reasons why India must recall Washington Sundar into the playing 11 for 3rd BGT 2024-25 Test at The Gabba
Team India replaced Washington Sundar with Ravichandran Ashwin for the second Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in Adelaide. This was among the three changes the visitors made for the second Test, with skipper Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill also returning to the playing XI.
India, however, struggled in the pink-ball Test against the Aussies, going down by 10 wickets. Their batting faltered in both innings as they were bowled out for 180 and 175, respectively. Their bowlers yet again failed to keep Travis Head quiet. The left-hander hit an aggressive ton as Australia posted 337 in their first innings.
Veteran Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara reckons Sundar is likely to replace Ashwin in the playing XI for the third BGT 2024-25 Test at The Gabba, which begins on December 14.
On that note, let's analyze three reasons why the visitors must recall Sundar into playing XI for the third Test.
#1 Ravichandran Ashwin has looked out of rhythm in the last few Tests he has played
Ashwin was the Player of the Match in the two-match Test series against Bangladesh at home, claiming 11 wickets and scoring 114 runs. However, he has not looked in great bowling rhythm in subsequent matches.
The 38-year-old was one of the biggest disappointments in India's 3-0 drubbing at the hands of New Zealand at home as the Kiwi slow bowlers outshone him. In 98 overs across the three Tests, Ashwin only picked up nine wickets at an average of 41.22. Even in the Adelaide Test, the off-spinner looked out of sorts, finishing with 1-53 from 18 overs.
In contrast, Sundar has been in much better form with the ball. The 25-year-old was outstanding in the Test series against New Zealand. In two matches, he picked up 16 wickets at an excellent average of 14.12. Had India's batting not faltered, the result of the series could have been a lot different.
Sundar was picked ahead of Ashwin for the first Test against Australia in Perth. With the pace bowlers dominating proceedings, the off-spinner did not have much to do in the match. However, he did pick up two wickets and bowled decently.
#2 India need Sundar's batting skills at The Gabba
Another reason why the visitors must look to play Sundar ahead of Ashwin is because of the former's batting skills. With all due credit to Ashwin, the left-hander is the better of the two cricketers with the willow in hand.
India's batting was abysmal in Adelaide in the pink-ball Test. Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul could not repeat their Perth heroics, Shubman Gill failed to convert starts, while veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma seemed completely out of touch. India had to depend on Rishabh Pant and Nitish Reddy to bail them out and, to his credit, the latter again delivered under pressure.
Considering the lack of confidence in the batting order, India cannot afford to have a tail that is too length. Having Sundar in the playing XI will definitely strengthen their batting department. The Tamil Nadu left-hander has been rather consistent with the bat. He scored 29 in the second innings in Perth and has tasted success with the willow in Australia before.
#3 Rohit Sharma didn't seem to have a lot of confidence in Ashwin's bowling in Adelaide
While India decided to bring Ashwin into the playing XI for Sundar in the Adelaide Test, skipper Rohit did not seem to have a lot of confidence in him. At least that's the impression one got from the outside while observing proceedings.
After India were bowled out for 180 in their first innings in the pink-ball Test, Australia faced 33 overs on Day 1 and reached 86-1. Ashwin, however, only bowled one of those overs, and that too was the last over before stumps. If the captain is not very confident of the resources at his disposal, he might as well pick someone he can back wholeheartedly.
During a press conference after Day 1 of the Adelaide Test, Team India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate explained that Ashwin was picked over Sundar for the game due to the belief in the camp that the veteran bowler would be a lot more effective with the pink ball. That certainly did not prove to be the case. With all due respect to Ashwin, Sundar looks the better choice in the playing XI.