Why is Washington Sundar Not Playing in IND vs SA 3rd ODI?

For the third ODI between India and South Africa on Saturday in Visakhapatnam, the Indian cricket team has made one change to their starting lineup. By choosing to bowl first in the series finale, one of the best batsmen in India, KL Rahul, ultimately ended the Men in Blue's losing skid of tosses.

For the crucial match against the Proteas, India has decided to go with Tilak Varma instead of Washington Sundar in the starting line-up.

Is Washington Sundar Playing in IND vs SA 3rd ODI?

In the first ODI, Washington Sundar, who played at number five, did not perform well. In the two innings, he was only able to score 1 and 13 runs. Even while bowling, he just bowled seven overs in the two games.

Sundar just completed his bowling quota in just 1 of his last five matches he played. However, for the last match of the series, which is going to be the series decider, India went with Tilak Varma ahead of Sundar. Tilak is expected to bat higher than Rahul, most probably at number 5.

It will be interesting to see how he plays in one of the most important matches of this bilateral series. Fans wanted to know if one of the best all-rounders in India, Washington Sundar playing today, so India gave a clear announcement at the toss that he will not be part of this match.

The last time Tilak played an ODI game for India was also against South Africa in December 2023. In his four ODI appearances, the southpaw has amassed 68 runs.

Proteas have also made two changes in their playing 11, Ryan Rickelton and Ottniel Baartman replaced Nandre Burger and Tony de Zorzi, who were sidelined due to hamstring injuries sustained during the 2nd ODI on December 3.

Ryan Ten Doeschate Backed Washington Sundar

After Washington Sundar was criticised for not providing the innings with the much-needed boost in both of the ODIs against South Africa, India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate spoke up for Sundar.

India enjoyed excellent starts in both games, but the lower order's inability to provide the team with timely runs prevented them from finishing on a high note. “Washi is still learning when it comes to batting,” he said during the pre-match press conference ahead of the 3rd ODI. “Coming in during the late overs is a very specific role, and he knows what he wants to improve," he said during the pre-match conference.

According to Ten Doeschate, Sundar is aware of his areas for improvement and is still learning the craft of batting in the last overs. “As a finger spinner, you need the right match-ups against left-handers or right-handers,” he said. “Washi is one of our six bowlers, and with Jadeja and Kuldeep also in the side, there are conditions where we will not bowl more than 20 overs of spin.”