'Brave call' or 'biggest blunder'? Inclusion of Washington Sundar in Perth XI sparks frenzy

As the Perth Test gets underway, the inclusion of Washington Sundar as the lone spinner in India’s playing XI has generated a flurry of discussions across social media. While the left-handed all-rounder, who bowls right-arm off-spin, has earned his spot in the team, veterans Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have been left out of the playing XI.

Sundar’s selection comes as a surprise to many, considering Ashwin and Jadeja’s established records as world-class spinners. Meanwhile, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana are set to make their debuts for India in the opening match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia at Perth Stadium. For Australia, opener Nathan McSweeney will also be making his debut.

Cricket Enthusiasts Divided

The decision has divided cricket enthusiasts, with many sharing their thoughts on social media. Prominent cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle expressed his surprise, calling it a brave decision to pick Sundar over Ashwin, who is highly regarded in Australia. "Very brave call to pick Washington Sundar over Ashwin, who is very highly rated here. Hugely encouraging for him, and I wish him well," Bhogle tweeted.

Others pointed out Sundar’s potential as a versatile player, with one fan noting, “Washington Sundar has good enough batting talent to play as a pure batter in this team.”

However, the exclusion of both Ashwin and Jadeja has left many questioning the team’s strategy. “The world No. 1 and No. 2 ranked all-rounders have been dropped from the playing XI,” commented one user, while another added, “The removal of Jadeja and Ashwin will either be remembered as a masterstroke or the biggest blunder.”

Some fans argued that it was unfair to drop two of India’s finest all-rounders. “It's very unfair to drop Ravindra Jadeja and Ravi Ashwin, who are genuine spin all-rounders. Jaddu was literally one of India's best batters in SENA conditions for quite some time,” one cricket enthusiast stated.

Mixed Reactions on Social Media

The debate intensified as fans expressed varying opinions on the decision. “The interview answers for which we made fun of Gambhir are becoming real now. 'Ashwin or Jadeja?' GG: Washington Sundar,” joked one user.

Another shared their disbelief: “Don’t remember the last time we played a Test match without both Ashwin and Jadeja.”

One more commented, “To drop Ashwin & Jadeja and play only one spinner requires courage of conviction. No Indian captain has done it in Australia. This is how bowler-captains think. Team combination is perfect. The first day of the series will set the tone for the BGT. Let’s enjoy."

A more critical voice emerged, with one fan stating: “Brave call by India if they leave out both Ashwin & Jadeja. Whispers before the Test were that the team management discussed the option of Kohli batting at No. 3, but some reports suggest even Washington Sundar could be at No. 3. #AUSvsIND.”

Expressing frustration, another user said: “I love the idea of Washington Sundar playing. I hate, I hate, I snatch you by the throat and give you a choke slam hate the idea of Ravindra Jadeja missing. That’s the world’s finest all-round cricketer, you idiots.”

It’s clear that the Indian team management’s decision to include Washington Sundar in the playing XI for the Perth Test has sparked a wide range of emotions among cricket fans. As the match progresses, all eyes will be on how this bold selection pans out, with the Perth Test already shaping up to be a highly charged contest.