'Washington Sundar can mature into becoming a better cricketer' - Wasim Jaffer bats for all-rounder's inclusion in ODI World Cup 2023

Former India international Wasim Jaffer has opined that the Indian management must consider Washington Sundar ahead of the 2023 Cricket World Cup. Team India endured a 1-0 loss in the three-match ODI series against hosts New Zealand after the final match yielded no result.

In the first innings, when India was put to bat, it was Shreyas Iyer and Washington Sundar’s knock that propelled the side to post 219 runs on the board. Wasim Jaffer was very much impressed with Sundar’s performance with the bat and with the ball and stated that team India must look at the all-rounder for the ODI World Cup which is set to be hosted by India in 2023.

“He has been bright for the side throughout this tour (to New Zealand). He came back after an injury and put in a show as he batted well in both ODIs (first and third). He batted beautifully and he is a very good bowler who can bowl in the powerplay as well. He is young and can mature into becoming a better cricketer,” Jaffer said while speaking to ESPNcricinfo.

India do need to look into this: Jaffer

At 23, Sundar has displayed fine performances and has a promising future with the Indian squad. Moreover, his versatility is something India could make use of in the global events but it remains to be seen if the side plays him regularly and gives him ample game time before the 2023 ODI World Cup.

“I am really happy with Washington Sundar. If you see the teams of 2010 or even before, a lot of batters used to bowl and India had that luxury before when Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, and Sourav Ganguly used to bowl. However, in this team, you do not see a lot of batters do that. It is very unfortunate when Hardik Pandya or Ravindra Jadeja miss out on the matches as India find the sixth and seventh bowling options missing. India do need to look into this and Washington Sundar going ahead when looking at the 2023 World Cup,” added Jaffer.