"Washington Sundar's role needs to have clarity " - Legendary Indian pacer's massive claim after IND vs SA 2025 2nd ODI

Former Indian pacer Zaheer questioned all-rounder Washington Sundar's role in the 50-over side after the second ODI against South Africa in Raipur. Despite producing a stellar batting performance with 358 in their 50 overs, the home side faltered with the ball to suffer a final-over defeat.

Sundar endured a second consecutive poor outing with bat and ball in the Raipur contest. The 26-year-old stalled India's momentum with an eight-ball one, walking in at No.6.

Sundar also bowled only four overs but proved to be expensive, conceding 28 runs without picking up a wicket.

Talking about the spin-bowling all-rounder's role in the Indian side, Zaheer said on Cricbuzz (9:40):

"Washington Sundar's role needs to have clarity. If there is going to be dew around and the spinners are going to find it tough, you know that after a certain point they might go out of the game. In that scenario, a seam bowler can give you that cushion."

He added:

"So India will have to do that proactive change in the decider where you have the option of bringing in Nitish Reddy in place of one of the spinners to make that sixth bowling option which creates an advantage."

Sundar was similarly under-bowled in the series opener as he rolled his arm over for only three overs. He also struggled with the bat in that outing, scoring a scratchy 19-ball 13.

"I think Nitish Kumar Reddy comes in" - Zaheer Khan on India's changes for 3rd ODI

Zaheer Khan urged Team India to replace Washington Sundar with pace-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy for the series decider against South Africa. The former pacer believes the dewy conditions in the second innings warrant another seam-bowling option over a third spinner.

"I think Nitish Kumar Reddy comes in. That's one call they'll have to make. In place of maybe Washington Sundar at this stage. That's how it's looking. If you need a left-hander in the middle, you can still go to Ravindra Jadeja and use his services as a batter. If there is dew and you again land up in a similar situation, then you'll need a seam option," said Zaheer (via the aforementioned source).

The hosts have struggled with the wet ball in each of the first two ODIs against the Proteas, conceding 332 and 362, respectively. With the series level at 1-1, the deciding ODI will be played in Visakhapatnam on Saturday, December 6.