Former India spinner R Ashwin has said that Washington Sundar is a sure-shot all-rounder in India’s playing XI for the upcoming 2025
Champions Trophy as well. The veteran also stated that Sundar is an offspinner and his left-handed batting will also help India rotate the strike. He also revealed that head coach Gautam Gambhir rates the star allrounder highly and has backed him over the last few months too.

Ashwin said on his YouTube channel: “In today’s age, left and right-hand combination is very important because there are no off-spinners in this team. Your left-arm spinners are there. It is crucial to rotate the strike. I feel that Washington Sundar will play in at No. 8 for sure. There are two things. Obviously, as far as I know, Gautam Gambhir really likes him. He rates him and definitely, Gautam has backed him. If Washington comes in 8, your balance changes immediately.”
Ravichandran Ashwin also feels Washington Sundar should bat in the top 5 in ODIs to allow the Men in Blue to come up with more options in the future as well.

“I feel that Washington Sundar will have a slightly higher role in the batting order. In the future, playing at 4 or 5 and bowling will give you that balance. Just think about it. If the off-spinner balance is in the top 5, it changes the dynamics. He has to bat in the top 5, then it opens up a completely new gate for you. It throws a lot of options,” R Ashwin concluded.