Former Indian cricketer Mohammed Kaif has highlighted a key concern ahead of the upcoming Asia Cup, stating that India will miss the services of Washington Sundar. Kaif emphasized that the presence of three quality all-rounders in the 2024 T20 World Cup squad was instrumental in India’s title-winning campaign, and the lack of that balance could be felt in the UAE.
India famously lifted the 2024 T20 World Cup in Barbados, defeating South Africa in a thrilling final to end an 11-year ICC trophy drought and secure their first world title in 13 years. Since then, the team has undergone significant changes, with a new-look squad preparing for their first major T20 tournament since that historic triumph.
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Kaif pointed out that Rohit Sharma’s World Cup-winning XI benefitted greatly from the depth provided by all-rounders Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, and Hardik Pandya, offering six bowling options and a batting lineup that extended to No. 8. In contrast, the current squad for the Asia Cup includes only two genuine all-rounders in Hardik and Axar.
Rohit’s team won the T20 World Cup with 3 all-rounders – Axar, Jadeja, Hardik – and that meant 6 proper bowling options and batting till 8. At Asia Cup, with only 2 genuine allrounders – Hardik and Axar. – India will have to find a new winning combination. Washington Sundar will…
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) September 8, 2025
“Rohit’s team won the T20 World Cup with three all-rounders – Axar, Jadeja, and Hardik – which gave us flexibility and balance. For the Asia Cup, with only two, India will have to create a new winning formula. Washington Sundar’s absence will be felt,” Mohammad Kaif wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
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Washington Sundar, who last played a T20I against England in Rajkot earlier this year, has been named only on the stand-by list for the Asia Cup, while Rinku Singh has been included in the main squad. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar noted Sundar remains in the team’s plans but highlighted the presence of mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy and wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav as key options.
