Washington Sundar has been among the all-rounders at the heart of the debate surrounding India’s approach under head coach Gautam Gambhir, with a number of former players flagging the lack of clarity he has over his role, particularly with the bat. India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has however said that the recent rough ride has had little effect on Sundar’s mindset.
“No, it won’t affect his confidence, he’s had a very good 12 months, even more in the last 16 months. He has played some good cricket in the two games where he hasn’t given up,” Ten Doeschate told reporters on the eve of the decisive third ODI between India and South Africa.
The Dutchman said that Washington is still learning the ropes when it comes to batting in the death in ODI cricket. He fell for just 13 runs in the first ODI and for one in the second. In both matches, India slowed down signficantly with the bat towards the end of their innings after a strong show in the middle overs, powered largely by Virat Kohli who scored centuries in both matches.
“I think Washi is still learning when it comes to batting, it’s becoming a very specialised role now coming in late overs, and there’s certain things he wants to work on,” Doeschate said during the pre-match press meet ahead of Saturday’s series-deciding third ODI here.
However, Washington has also been deprived of regular bowling in the white ball formats. He has played just five ODI in 2025 and bowled his full quota of 10 overs in only one match. Doeschate offered a reason for that.
“I think when it comes to a finger spinner you always need to get match-ups for a left-hander, right-hander and essentially Washi is one of the six bowlers,” Doeschate said. “Washi and Jaddu (Jadeja) are the three spinners along with Kuldeep. There’s always going to be…..in those conditions particularly, we are not not going to bowl more than 20 overs of spin,” he added.