Washington Sundar Capitalizes On Jadeja's Absence, Outshines Axar Patel

Washington Sundar was a standout player in India's squad for the T20I and ODI series in Sri Lanka. The all-rounder waited patiently until the third T20I to make his mark, eventually becoming a key member of the ODI team in Ravindra Jadeja's absence.

The senior all-rounder Jadeja was unexpectedly left out of the ODI squad. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar later clarified that the 35-year-old had been rested, not dropped.

Washington Sundar seized the opportunity during Jadeja's absence, ensuring he remained a strong contender even when Jadeja returns. In the third T20I, Sundar replaced Axar Patel and made an immediate impact by scoring 25 off 18 balls while batting at number eight. He also took four wickets, including two in the Super Over.

India was struggling at 48/5 and later at 105/7 when Sundar stepped up. He hit two fours and a six, helping India reach 137/9. His bowling figures of 2/23 in four overs were crucial for India's comeback. In the Super Over, he took two wickets for just two runs, leading India to victory and earning him the Man of the Match award as India clinched the series 3-0.

Sundar continued to impress in the ODIs. In the first match, promoted to number four, he scored five runs and took one wicket for 46 runs in his ten overs. The match ended in a tie.

In the second ODI, which India lost by 32 runs, Sundar emerged as India's best bowler with figures of three wickets for 30 runs. He dismissed key Sri Lankan batsmen Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, and Charith Asalanka. Although he didn't bat higher up this time, he faced 40 balls to score 15 runs amid India's batting collapse.

Future Prospects: Washington vs Axar and Jadeja

The management might now consider making Washington Sundar a permanent spin-bowling all-rounder. This could lead to choosing between Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel for ODIs. Sundar offers batting potential and variation in spin that left-arm spinners Axar and Jadeja do not provide.

With major tournaments like the Champions Trophy 2025 and T20 World Cup 2026 scheduled in the subcontinent, having a versatile player like Sundar could be advantageous. His ability to contribute both with bat and ball makes him a valuable asset for India’s future campaigns.

Sundar's performances have certainly put him on par with seasoned players like Jadeja and Patel. His consistent contributions ensure that he remains an integral part of India's cricketing plans moving forward.