All-rounder Washington Sundar has returned to India’s ODI Playing XI after 8 months. The 23-year-old replaced Axar Patel in the side after the latter was ruled out of the IND vs SL Asia Cup Final due to injury. Sundar’s comeback to the ODI squad has ignited speculation about whether the selectors are considering him in their World Cup plans.
Despite having scored only 233 runs, with one half-century, Sundar has shown that he can be a good fit in the 50-over format. However, his inclusion in World Cup squad looks difficult as the all-rounder is already part of India’s Asian Games squad which will take place in Hangzhou, China till October 7. With World Cup squad already announced, and tournament begining on October 5, it is highly unlikely that Sundar will find a place in the decided squad.
Axar’s injury an opportunity for Sundar?
However, there is a window of opportunity for Washington to make his strong case ahead of World Cup. Axar Patel sustained a left quadriceps strain during a Super 4 game against Bangladesh. There has been no confirmation on his return and reports have emerged that the all-rounder is doubtful for IND vs AUS series which is starting from September 22.
In case Axar gets ruled out for Australia series, Washington Sundar is likely to get an extended run which will give him an opportunity to show selectors that he can do the job in ODIs.
Sundar’s consistent injuries a big concern
While Washington Sundar has proved in many occasions that he can be all-format player for India, his consistent injuries have hampered his spot in Indian team. The all-rounder went through a broken finger, hamstring, Covid, shoulder injury in last 18 months.
Every time he seems to find a spot in the team, he courts one injury or the other to get ruled out.
India Squad for Cricket World Cup 2023
Batters: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav
WKs: Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul (VC)
Seam all-rounders: Shardul Thakur
Spin all-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin
Seamers: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna
Spinner: Kuldeep Yadav
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