“He is nowhere close to Ravi Ashwin” - Mohammad Kaif wants team management to define Washington Sundar’s role properly

Mohammad Kaif blasted Washington Sundar's bowling form, stating he is "not even half of Ashwin" as a spinner. He demanded the team management provide role clarity, noting captains' lack of trust is leaving Sundar "neither a bowler nor a batter."

07 Dec 2025 14:08 IST

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Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif wants the Indian team management to define Washington Sundar’s role in the 50-over set-up, adding that the all-rounder is nowhere close to Ravi Ashwin as a spinner.

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Speaking exclusively on his YouTube channel, Kaif asserted that the team management doesn’t have proper trust in Sundar’s wicket-taking ability, as there were instances when the match got tight, the captain went ahead with Ravindra Jadeja or Kuldeep Yadav instead of the all-rounder.

“The management should define what Washington’s role really is. Skill-wise, he is nowhere close to Ashwin as a spinner. Across formats, different captains have avoided giving him full overs. When the match gets tight, they always go to Jadeja or Kuldeep. That shows the lack of trust in his wicket-taking ability. He has a lot of work to do on his bowling,” Mohammad Kaif said on his YouTube channel.

Sundar could score only 13 and 1 with the willow in the first and second ODIs, while he bowled only seven overs across the two ODIs. Interestingly, he got axed from the third and final ODI with Tilak Varma replacing him in the XI. Furthermore, the former cricketer stated that Sundar needs to work on his variations and skillset to aim for a longer run in international cricket.

“Right now, he looks neither like a reliable bowler nor a dependable batter. You want him to bat more, but his bowling is dipping. His main job is to take wickets; batting is supposed to be a bonus. If his bowling keeps slipping and the team doesn’t give him overs, he’ll fall further behind. He needs clearer direction and must work on his variations and skill set if he wants a long run in international cricket,” Kaif concluded.

Sundar will next be seen playing the five-match T20I series against South Africa, scheduled to start on Tuesday, December 9, in Cuttack.

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