Kaif Critiques Washington Sundar’s Role, Notes He Bowls Sparingly Despite All-Rounder Duties

Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has launched a scathing critique of Washington Sundar’s bowling, declaring the off-spinner is “not even half of R Ashwin” in terms of skill and impact while questioning his defined role in the Indian team across formats. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kaif highlighted how Sundar has repeatedly been under-bowled in recent matches, including just three overs in the first ODI and four in the second against South Africa.

Kaif pointed out that despite Gautam Gambhir’s preference for all-rounders providing batting depth, no captain—across Tests, ODIs, or T20Is—has shown full confidence in Sundar’s bowling when the game gets tight. “When the match is in the balance, they always turn to Jadeja and Kuldeep. There is simply no trust that Washington can pick wickets at any stage like Kuldeep does,” he said.

The former cricketer stressed that while Sundar has contributed handy runs lower down the order, his primary utility as a spinner remains unconvincing. “He will have to work a lot on his bowling. Right now, he is not even half of Ashwin,” Kaif asserted, referring to the retired legend’s mastery of drift, turn, and variations.

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Sundar’s limited overs in South Africa have reignited the debate over his place in the XI, especially with India’s spin department already boasting world-class options in Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel. Critics argue that unless his bowling becomes a genuine wicket-taking threat again, Sundar risks being pigeonholed purely as a batting all-rounder.

As India searches for balance ahead of the Champions Trophy and beyond, Kaif’s blunt assessment has put the spotlight firmly back on Washington Sundar’s need to rediscover his bowling bite to justify consistent selection.

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