Former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra has raised questions over Washington Sundar’s place in India’s playing XI in ODI cricket as the Men in Blue are set to face England in the three-match ODI series decider at Lord’s on Sunday, July 19.
Chopra believes that the Indian selectors could start looking at other options if Sundar does not contribute more with the ball. He even suggested Tilak Varma as the best option if the team management and selectors focus on the runs more than the bowling part. Amid this, Washington Sundar was ruled out of the England ODI decider after a hamstring injury.
As India has already begun preparations for the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2027, Aakash Chopra feels that if Washington Sundar is not being used properly as a bowler, then there is no point in picking him as a spin-bowling all-rounder in the playing XI.
In that case, the cricket pundit has suggested Tilak Varma would be the best option. Washington has played both the first and second ODIs against England. However, he was not used much with the ball. Since he is picked in the team mainly because he can bat as well as bowl, many believe that the all-rounder needs to make a bigger impact with the ball.
If he is only playing as a batter, then his place is not justified, and that’s where Tilak Varma should come into the picture as suggested by Chopra. He even pointed out that the young Hyderabad left-hander can also bowl a few overs whenever needed.
Tilak Varma backed as a stronger batting option by Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra said in a video on his YouTube channel, “If Washi's bowling numbers don't improve, why would you carry him? If he is not bowling, he is not an all-rounder. If he has to only bat, Tilak Varma can also do that, or someone else can do that. Plenty of things might actually happen, but it's not a bad suggestion.”
The former Indian batter also feels Tilak is a stronger batter than Washington and can give more stability to India's middle order in ODI cricket. He further explained, “Tilak's name isn't there in ODI cricket. Washi's name is there, and he gets a lot of chances to play.
He is mostly expected to bat, or else he delivers as a batter, not as much as a bowler. It's a valid question because if you are searching for a batter who can bowl a few overs, Tilak will also bowl as many overs, and Tilak will bat better than Washi.”
Aakash Chopra urges selectors to reward Tilak Varma with an ODI spot
Since Tilak is already India’s vice-captain in T20Is, Chopra urged the national selectors and team management to show confidence in the Mumbai Indian star in the ODI format as well.
He signed off by saying, “So, if he is your T20I vice-captain, why not invest a little more faith in Tilak's abilities so that you make him a part of ODIs as well? I think that can also happen. I feel we will see a lot of changes until 2027 and players coming and going.”
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