Team India lost their first ODI against Australia with 66 runs in the opening match of the Australian tour in Sydney. Experts from across the fraternity have started to pour in their expert views on India’s disappointing start, according to Gautam Gambhir the biggest reason behind the defeat was to not have a sixth bowler. Furthermore, he suggested that this place needs to be filled in immedediately as Team India cannot repeat the same mistake they made in the World Cup last year.
While speaking to cricket website ESPN Cricinfo, Gambhir stated that when speaking of the 2023 World Cup, it is very importmant to find a few alternatives. The side cannot make the same mistake as 2019 World Cup. If all-rounder Hardik Pandya does not bowl then an alternative must be found. “We need a player who can bat in the top 6 and then bowl 6-8 overs.”
Gambhir named Washington Sundar as the most suitable player for number six. He stated that Sundar can be promoted for number six while KL Rahul can bat at number four as he is a great batsman. Sundar can bat with Pandya and Jadeja at number six or seven. He is a bowler who can bowl with a new ball. Apart from this, if two left handers are at the crease, then they can be good options. It is not necessary that every all-rounder of the team is a fast bowler. Vijay Shankar is not fit yet. So I would like to see Sundar in the team.
21-year-old, Sundar has played only in one ODI and has played 23 T20I till now.