India all-rounder Washington Sundar is facing a tricky transition in ODIs, and the team management is working closely with him to sharpen the skills needed for the format. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate confirmed that Sundar has been putting in extensive work, especially on his batting, to adapt to high-pressure late-overs roles.
In recent games, Sundar’s strike rate with the bat has raised concerns. He managed just 13 off 18 balls in Ranchi and 1 off 7 in Raipur, slowing down momentum when India needed acceleration. On the eve of the decider, he spent considerable time at the nets and batting under the eyes of Gautam Gambhir and Sitanshu Kotak, focusing on clearing the ring against pace and spin.
Ten Doeschate backs Washington Sundar’s development despite struggles
Doeschate praised Sundar’s work ethic and stressed that finishing roles take time to master.
“Washi is still learning,” he said. “Batting in the late overs is a very specialised role. He knows what he has to work on.”
While Sundar hasn’t bowled regularly either, completing 10 overs only once in five ODIs this year, the coach pointed to match-ups and conditions as key factors. With Jadeja and Kuldeep also in the XI, spin overs are shared carefully, leaving limited space for a third spinner. Yet the management believes Sundar’s confidence remains intact.
“He’s had a good 12–16 months. He’s kept fighting and not given up,” Doeschate stated.
Left-arm challenge in focus at optional nets by Washington Sundar
Under lights on Friday, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma, Nitish Reddy and Sundar were among those who opted for an extended net session. The training featured local left-arm seamers and spinners, a response to India’s struggles against bowlers like Marco Jansen, Nandre Burger and Keshav Maharaj during this series.
Doeschate admitted that India’s batters have taken time to settle at the crease, especially in the death overs where acceleration has been limited. The management is exploring options in the lower middle order, with Tilak, Nitish and Sundar competing for the same slot.
Despite debate over India fielding multiple all-rounders, Doeschate believes the balance works for now.
“The players doing the job happen to be all-rounders, so we back them,” he concluded.
(By PTI Inputs)
