Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has shared his views on Washington Sundar’s role in the Indian T20I setup, stating that the all-rounder has not been utilized effectively despite receiving consistent backing from the team management. Ashwin believes Sundar remains an important member of the squad, but the lack of clarity surrounding his responsibilities has prevented him from making the impact he is capable of.

The discussion came after India’s disappointing 34-run defeat to Ireland in the opening T20I in Belfast. Sundar endured a difficult outing, conceding 19 runs in his only over before scoring just nine runs from 12 deliveries while batting at No. 6 during India’s unsuccessful chase of 183.

Ravichandran Ashwin questions Washington Sundar’s role in India’s T20I setup

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin pointed out that Sundar has earned the trust of the Indian team management but is often left without a clearly defined role on the field. The former India spinner stressed that while Sundar’s selection has never been in doubt, the lack of opportunities with the ball has made it difficult for the 26-year-old to contribute consistently.

“The team management has backed Washington Sundar. His place has been confirmed in this Indian team. But I just feel that Washington Sundar plays in the team, but his role is not there. He is on the field but gets just one over, or doesn’t get a single over at times,” Ashwin said.

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Ashwin wants Sundar to bat as a floater instead of a finisher

Ashwin also questioned the decision to use Sundar as a finisher in the batting order, insisting that the left-handed all-rounder is better suited to a floating role depending on the match situation. Drawing comparisons with Axar Patel’s role under former India captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid, Ashwin explained that Sundar should be given similar flexibility rather than being pushed into finishing games.

“If you remember, during the World Cup, vice-captain Axar Patel was dropped for Washington Sundar against South Africa. That is the amount of backup Washington Sundar is getting. Even in batting, he is being used as a finisher, and he is not a finisher. He should be used as a floater, like how Rahul and Rohit used Axar. It feels a bit like a wrong role utilization of Washington Sundar,” he remarked.

India will now look to level the two-match series in the second T20I after Ireland secured a historic victory in Belfast. Sundar is expected to retain his place in the playing XI, with the team management hoping he can make a greater impact if entrusted with a more clearly defined role.

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