Are the selectors and coaching staff leaning too heavily on Washington Sundar as a one-size-fits-all fix for Team India’s problems? Sanjay Manjrekar didn’t hold back after India’s top-order implosion in the Super 8 clash with the South Africa national cricket team, suggesting that head coach Gautam Gambhir treats Washington Sundar as the team’s panacea.
Manjrekar compared Sundar to an old multipurpose remedy — a tongue-in-cheek way of saying one player is being asked to solve batting, bowling and balance issues simultaneously. Promoted to No.5 in the chase, Washington Sundar’s elevation highlighted a broader selection headache: where do you deploy a multi-skilled cricketer without upsetting the team’s structure?
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As Sanjay Manjrekar argued on CNN-News18’s Stump Mic, “If there’s a batting problem, Washi. If there’s a bowling problem, Washi.” That level of dependence can mask deeper strategic flaws.
South Africa’s bowlers — notably Lungi Ngidi — exploited India’s vulnerability to slower balls and changes of pace. India’s batters, including skipper Suryakumar Yadav, looked off rhythm as variations repeatedly beat the timing. The decision to push Sundar up the order also pushed finishers like Rinku Singh and Hardik Pandya down the pecking order, compressing roles and reducing clarity.
This is not an argument against Sundar’s utility — his spin, control and calm temperament are valuable — but about sustainability under tournament pressure. A T20 side needs clearly defined roles: a top-order aggressor, a stabiliser at No. 3, finishers, and backup bowling options. Treating one player as a Swiss Army knife risks leaving several boxes unchecked.
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With a must-win against Zimbabwe looming, India must decide quickly. Either back a settled XI and work on training batters to handle slower balls, or make a brave, coherent change that brings balance without overburdening one individual. The clock is ticking. Selection clarity will determine their tournament destiny.
