Zaheer Khan questions Washington Sundar’s role after IND vs SA 2nd ODI

Former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan has questioned Washington Sundar’s role after South Africa won the second ODI at Raipur by four wickets on Wednesday. Sundar batted at number five in the opening ODI against the Proteas but he was pushed down to number six in the second game.

Sundar was run out for a solitary run in the second game after facing eight deliveries. Furthermore, Sundar bowled four overs and went wicketless after conceding 28 runs.

Zaheer Khan said on Cricbuzz, “Washington Sundar’s role needs to have clarity. If there is going to be dew around and the spinners are going to find it tough, you know that after a certain point they might go out of the game. In that scenario, a seam bowler can give you that cushion.”

“So India will have to do that proactive change in the decider where you have the option of bringing in Nitish Reddy in place of one of the spinners to make that sixth bowling option which creates an advantage.”

The former pacer said India should replace Washington Sundar with Nitish Kumar Reddy, who hasn’t received his chance in the first two games.

“I think Nitish Kumar Reddy comes in. That’s one call they’ll have to make. In place of maybe Washington Sundar at this stage. That’s how it’s looking. If you need a left-hander in the middle, you can still go to Ravindra Jadeja and use his services as a batter. If there is dew and you again land up in a similar situation, then you’ll need a seam option,” said Zaheer (via the aforementioned source).

Meanwhile, Sundar was dismissed after scoring 13 runs in the opening game and bowled only three overs.

The third and final ODI between India and South Africa will be played at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam, on Saturday.