‘No logic behind it…’ – Aakash Chopra questions Washington Sundar’s inclusion for final two Tests versus New Zealand

After India’s loss to New Zealand, news came in that Washington Sundar had been recalled to the Test side. if the 25-year-old gets to play the Pune Test this will be the first time in 3 years since the Tamil Nadu star would have played the longest format for India. Sundar’s last of 4 Test matches came against England in early 2021 in Ahmedabad. 

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra questioned the logic behind including the 25-year-old in the Test squad. The former Indian star during his YouTube live questioned if R. Ashwin was unfit which prompted Ajit Agarkar and Co to take this call. 

“Sundar has been given a place in the team. The question that comes to mind is - what is the Indian team thinking? Do they want to play another spinner? There were already plenty of fast bowlers in the travelling reserves. Is Ashwin not fully fit? questioned Aakash Chopra. 

Aakash Chopra ponders India’s likely combination for 2nd Test

Indian spinners proved ineffective during the 2nd innings while defending 107 runs. Washington Sundar’s recent form with the bat in the Ranji Trophy seems to have caught the eye of the selectors before giving the youngster his Test recall. 

India’s former opener said “Washington Sundar's name has come in the team. It was slightly on unexpected lines, although he scored a century just now. He was playing for Tamil Nadu and beat up Delhi. Sai Sudharsan also beat up Delhi. He scored a double hundred and Sundar scored a century,"

Aakash Chopra also pondered about if Ashwin had any injury concerns as he bowled a handful of overs in Bengaluru. “Was it because of that he was given only two overs on the last day? He was bowled when the match was over. It just did not make sense that you don't bowl Ashwin at all. What is the logic behind that? Since you didn't bowl him, is he carrying some niggle and you want Washington Sundar as an almost like-for-like in terms of type of skill?"

During his YouTube Live, Aakash Chopra also wondered if India are looking to make any changes for the 2nd Test in Pune. “Are they thinking that they want to play three spinners, but should play another off-spinner along with Jaddu and Ashwin, and not play Kuldeep, as the opposition team has Tom Latham, Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway? Two of those three have scored runs. I am slightly split in which direction Washington Sundar's selection is pointing,"