Former Indian cricketer Shreevats Goswami has voiced concerns about Washington Sundar’s recent performance in the ODI series against South Africa. Sundar, who has been deployed in various roles across formats, has struggled to make an impact, scoring only 14 runs in two innings and failing to take any wickets. Goswami questioned Sundar’s inclusion in the side, suggesting that Tilak Varma could be a better option in a similar capacity. He noted that Varma can contribute with both bat and ball, offering power hitting and depth to the team. Goswami clarified that he has nothing against Sundar personally, but believes Varma could be a more effective choice for the role.
When a fan suggested Riyan Parag as a decent spin‑bowling all‑rounder for the ODI setup, Goswami disagreed. He stated that Parag is not yet ready for an ODI call‑up, despite his recent success with India A. Parag made his ODI debut in 2024 and has been performing well in domestic cricket, including a player‑of‑the‑series award in the India A vs Australia A series, where he scored 187 runs at an average of 62.33. He also starred for Assam in the Ranji Trophy, picking up his second five‑wicket haul in red‑ball cricket. Nevertheless, Goswami believes Parag needs more time to develop before being considered for the national team.
The debate over Sundar’s and Parag’s inclusion highlights the challenges of selecting the right players for the ODI setup. With the team struggling to find balance, selectors will need to weigh their options carefully and make informed decisions to ensure success. As the series against South Africa continues, the team’s performance will be closely watched, and the selectors will be under pressure to make the right choices.
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