Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes Washington Sundar will be part of India’s final XI in the upcoming Champions Trophy. Ashwin reckons India’s chief coach Gautam Gambhir really likes what Sundar brings to the table as a left-handed batter and right-arm off-spinner.

Sundar was the highest wicket-taker against New Zealand as he scalped 16 wickets in two Test matches at an impressive average of 14.12. 

The left-hander can add the finishing touches while batting down the order and he has a solid technique in his arsenal. Sundar has scored 315 runs in 22 ODIs and he has scalped 23 wickets.

Ravichandran Ashwin said on his YouTube Channel, “In today’s age, left and right-hand combination is very important because there are no off-spinners in this team. Your left-arm spinners are there. It is crucial to rotate the strike. I feel that Washington Sundar will play in at No. 8 for sure. There are two things. Obviously, as far as I know, Gautam Gambhir really likes him. He rates him and definitely, Gautam has backed him. If Washington comes in 8, your balance changes immediately.”

On the other hand, Ashwin reckons Sundar must bat in the top five in the marquee tournament.

“I feel that Washington Sundar will have a slightly higher role in the batting order. In the future, playing at 4 or 5 and bowling will give you that balance. Just think about it. If the off-spinner balance is in the top 5, it changes the dynamics. He has to bat in the top 5, then it opens up a completely new gate for you. It throws a lot of options.”

Sundar has the experience of batting in the top order for Tamil Nadu in the domestic circuit. The southpaw has scored 2985 runs in 77 List A matches at an average of 30.94 and he has also bagged 70 scalps.

India will begin their Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh in Dubai on February 20.