Washington Sundar is still searching for something most international players want above all else: a fixed place in India’s XI. At 26, he has shown enough across Tests and ODIs to remain in the conversation, but the conversation itself is the problem. India simply has too many all-round options and not enough spots, especially in the spin all-rounder role.
That tension has followed him for three years. Over that span, Sundar featured in India’s playing XI in fewer than 40% of the matches for which he was part of the touring squad. That is a striking number for a player who continues to be viewed as useful in more than one format, and it captures the central issue around him: he is good enough to be kept around, but not yet locked in as a regular pick.
Why Washington Sundar remains on the fringe
The main reason is competition. India has an extraordinary surplus of all-rounders, and the spin all-rounder slot is especially crowded. Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel are the biggest names in that queue, and younger IPL options add another layer of pressure. In practice, that means Sundar is often competing for one place against multiple players who bring similar balance to the side.
That sort of logjam can be difficult for any cricketer, even one with a proven record. Sundar’s case is not about a lack of talent or a lack of usefulness. It is about India having more players who can fill overlapping roles than the XI can comfortably accommodate.
The performance has been there
What makes Sundar’s situation more interesting is that his selection uncertainty does not come from a single disappointing stretch. The article frames him as a player whose performances have been consistent, yet whose place still changes depending on team composition and conditions. That is why his role remains so fluid, even as he continues to offer value in different formats.
His career already includes one moment that showed exactly what he can do under pressure. At age 21, Washington Sundar walked into the Gabba and batted India out of a corner against Australia’s attack. It was the sort of innings that can define a player’s reputation, but it has not translated into a permanent hold on a spot.
What it means going forward
The broader lesson is that versatility does not always guarantee security. In India’s case, it can actually make selection more complicated when several players cover similar ground. Sundar remains part of the conversation because he can contribute in more than one area, but the presence of Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and other options means the competition never really stops.
For now, Washington Sundar sits in an awkward but familiar space: too important to ignore, not established enough to own the role. Until the balance of India’s XI changes, that uncertainty is likely to remain.
