"We need him, but we won't use him" - Aakash Chopra questions Indian all-rounder's utilization ahead of IND vs SA 2025 3rd ODI

Former India player Aakash Chopra has questioned Washington Sundar's utilization in the first two ODIs against South Africa. He noted that the spin-bowling all-rounder isn't being used effectively with bat or ball.

Washington scored 13 runs off 19 deliveries while batting at No. 5 and bowled only three overs in the first ODI against South Africa in Ranchi on Sunday, November 30. He managed a solitary run off eight deliveries at No. 6 and bowled only four overs in the second ODI in Raipur on Wednesday, December 3.

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, 'Aakash Chopra,' the former India opener noted that Washington isn't being used properly even though the team management wants him in the XI.

"What are we doing with Sundar? He was made to bat off-position at No. 5, and even that wasn't done in the second match. We asked him to bat down the order. After that, we don't want to bowl him for more than three or four overs," Chopra said. (9:40)

"So what is this kind of handling? We need him, but we won't use him. I am slightly surprised already, because even if you see the T20I setup, Nitish Kumar Reddy went out when Hardik Pandya came in and Rinku Singh had to go out for Washi to come in," he added.

Washington Sundar has been picked in India's 15-member squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against South Africa. Rinku Singh has potentially been left out to accommodate him in the squad.

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"If you are sacrificing a lower-order batter, you have to give him a chance somehow" - Aakash Chopra on Washington Sundar's batting position

Washington Sundar has predominantly batted at No. 6 or below in ODIs. [P/C: Getty]

In the same video, Aakash Chopra noted that Washington Sundar needs to be given more chances with the bat if he is being played ahead of a lower-order batter.

"If you are sacrificing a lower-order batter, you have to give him (Washington) a chance somehow, but we are not giving him a chance properly. He is being made to bat down the order," he said.

The cricketer-turned-commentator added that the team management is expecting the Tamil Nadu all-rounder to bat at No. 5, but is unable to send him at that position.

"Even at No. 5, I feel ODI cricket might not be as kind to him. The number at which you are expecting him to bat, you are not able to make up your mind to make him bat there, and you are not making him bowl much. So I am still wondering what Washington Sundar's role is," Chopra observed.

Washington Sundar has aggregated 365 runs at an average of 20.27 in 19 ODI innings. He has picked up 29 wickets at an average of 27.93 in 25 ODI innings.