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 face England in the three-match ODI series decider at Lord’s on Sunday, July 19.
Chopra believes that if Sundar does not contribute much with the ball then the Indian selectors may start considering other options. He even suggested that if the team management and selectors focused on runs more than bowling then Tilak Verma would be the best option. Meanwhile, Washington Sundar was ruled out of the England ODI decider after suffering a hamstring injury.
Aakash Chopra raised questions on Washington Sundar’s place before Lord’s ODI
As India begins preparations for the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2027, Aakash Chopra feels that if Washington Sundar is not being utilized properly as a bowler, there is no point in selecting him in the playing eleven as a spin-bowling all-rounder.
In that situation, cricket pundits have suggested that Tilak Verma would be the best option. Washington has played both the first and second ODI matches against England. However, he was not used much with the ball. Since he has been selected in the team primarily because he can bat as well as bowl, many believe that the all-rounder needs to make a big impact with the ball.
If he is playing only as a batsman, his position is not appropriate, and this is where Tilak Verma should come into the picture as suggested by Chopra. He even told that this young left-handed batsman from Hyderabad can also bowl a few overs if needed.
Aakash Chopra backs Tilak Verma as strong batting option
Aakash Chopra said in a video on his YouTube channel, “If Washi’s bowling numbers don’t improve, why would you take him? If he is not bowling, he is not an all-rounder. If he only has to bat, Tilak Verma can also do that, or someone else can do that. Actually, a lot of things can happen, but this is not a bad suggestion.”
The former Indian batsman also feels that Tilak is a stronger batsman than Washington and can provide more stability to India’s middle order in ODI cricket. He further said, “Tilak’s name is not there in ODI cricket. Vashi’s name is there and he gets a lot of opportunities to play.”
He is expected to bat mostly, otherwise he performs well as a batsman, not a bowler. This is a valid question because if you are looking for a batsman who can bowl a few overs, then Tilak will bowl the same number of overs and Tilak will bat better than Washi.
Aakash Chopra urges selectors to reward Tilak Verma with an ODI spot
Since Tilak is already India’s vice-captain in T20Is, Chopra urged the national selectors and team management to show faith 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 have a little more confidence in Tilak’s abilities so that you can make him a part of the ODIs as well? I think that can happen too. I think we will see a lot of changes till 2027 and players will come and go.”
