BGT 2024-25: Wasim Jaffer Wants Washington Sundar Dropped For Ashwin Ahead Of Adelaide Test

India’s young all-rounder, Washington Sundar, played in the first BGT 2024-25 test match in Perth. He scored 33 runs and took two wickets. However, former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer believes Sundar should be replaced for the second test in Adelaide. Jaffer wants India’s experienced off-spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin, to be brought back into the team.

Why Jaffer Wants Ashwin in the XI

In the Perth test, India surprised everyone by leaving out both Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. These two spinners together have a total of 855 test wickets. Instead, they chose Sundar, who had only played six tests before this series. But Sundar had impressed with good performances in the last two matches against New Zealand.

Sundar’s batting was one reason he was picked over Ashwin. India was missing two key batsmen, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, in the Perth test. So, India wanted an all-rounder who could also contribute with the bat. Sundar provided that extra batting strength.

Ashwin’s Record in Adelaide

Jaffer now feels that with Rohit and Gill returning for the Adelaide test, India no longer needs Sundar’s batting skills. Instead, India should play Ashwin, who has been successful in Adelaide. Ashwin has taken 16 wickets in just three tests in Adelaide at an average of 30. In the 2020 Adelaide test, he took five wickets in the match.

Jaffer expressed his thoughts on Twitter. He wrote, “I want India to play Ashwin. Spin always plays a part in day-night tests. Ashwin has done well here before. Washington has done nothing wrong, but with Rohit and Gill back to strengthen the batting, you should play your best spinner. Ashwin is also handy with the bat.”

Rohit Sharma on Sundar’s Contribution

Before the Adelaide test, Indian captain Rohit Sharma praised Sundar. In a press conference, Rohit said that all three spinning all-rounders in the team are valuable. But he didn’t say who would be playing in Adelaide.

In the first test in Perth, Sundar scored 4 and 29 runs in his two innings. He also took two wickets in Australia’s second innings. He performed well in the warm-up match against the PM’s XI too. Sundar scored 42* and took one wicket for 38 runs.

Rohit spoke highly of Sundar’s contribution to the team. He said, “Washington came to Australia during our last tour, and he got important runs and took wickets. Sadly, he got injured later. But he’s a solid all-rounder. The team feels confident with players like him. I hope he stays injury-free. His career graph is only going up from here.”

Performance Overview (Perth Test and Warm-Up Match)

As the second test in Adelaide approaches, India faces a tough decision. Will they stick with the young Sundar or bring back the experienced Ashwin? Fans will be eager to see what decision captain Rohit Sharma makes for this crucial test in the BGT 2024-25 series.

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