I think Washington Sundar would play an integral part in the next World Cup: Laxman Sivaramakrishnan

Even though Washington Sundar was sidelined due to injuries for the majority of 2022, the all-rounder proved his class as soon as he got the opportunity to represent India during the recent tour of New Zealand. Be it with the bat or with the ball, Sundar has stepped up time and again but is still to cement his position in the Indian ODI set-up.

In the ODI series against New Zealand, the 23-year-old provided much-needed stability in the middle order. The Southpaw scored 37* off 16 deliveries in the first ODI and also notched up a half-century in the final match of the series. With the ball, he was economical but failed to bag a wicket.

Cricketer turned commentator, Laxman Sivaramakrishnan believes that the Indian management should invest heavily in the cricketer as he can become an integral part of the squad for the next year’s ODI World Cup.

“He’s a fantastic batter, while his off-spin bowling has to change from defensive to aggressive to pick up wickets because I think he would play an integral part in the next World Cup being held in India. He will play a substantial part, so invest in him and make sure he’s fit for a long time. He’s a young, flexible, strong man and he shouldn’t be falling sick or unfit at all,” said the 56-year-old.

Someone’s got to train him into the mindset and develop the art of thinking wickets: Sivaramakrishnan

The former India international believes that Sundar needs to work on his fielding and most importantly, develop the art of picking wickets at regular intervals.

“Now what he’s doing is bowling economically, trying to create pressure for somebody else. But someone’s got to train him into the mindset and develop the art of thinking wickets.

He’s a high-quality player but needs to field better and the fielding coach has to work with him on it. Otherwise, Washington is a superb cricketer and a genuine all-rounder,” added the former India leg-spinner.