'You certainly have a player' - Former Indian batting coach big statement on Jadeja's likely replacement during 5th ENG vs IND 2025 Test
Sanjay Bangar backed Washington Sundar as Ravindra Jadeja’s future Test replacement, praising his evolving batting and all-round abilities.
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Former Team India batting coach Sanjay Bangar believes that Washington Sundar has the potential to take over the role currently played by Ravindra Jadeja in the Test side once the veteran all-rounder retires. Bangar lauded Sundar’s growth, particularly in his batting, and said the young all-rounder has expanded his scoring options since debuting for India. He emphasized that Sundar has developed into a player capable of fulfilling a versatile and crucial role in the Test setup.
Sundar has impressed in the ongoing Test series in England. After scoring an unbeaten 101 off 206 balls in Manchester—an innings that helped India save the Test—he continued his fine form with a rapid 53 off just 46 deliveries in the second innings of the Oval Test on Saturday (August 2). According to Bangar, the contrasting styles of Sundar’s two recent knocks are a testament to his range and adaptability as a batter.
Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Bangar said: "When the time comes, when he moves on, you certainly have a player who can very quickly progress in the role that Jadeja is doing for the team now." he added: "What you saw in the last-wicket partnership was striking abilities of Washington Sundar. Initially, he had restrictive areas to score. He was very strong through the off side—whatever I remember of him in the earlier times. But, he has developed a very good leg side game as well. He has opened up scoring areas."
Sundar proving his all-round value in England
Bangar further praised Sundar’s intent and mindset, especially during his attacking knock at The Oval.
"The very fact that he had that mindset of helping India to extend that lead and play in that cavalier manner means here is a guy who is willing to do various things for his team," he added.
See Also: WATCH: Ravindra Jadeja gets distracted by red shirt fan during ENG vs IND 2025 5th Test
As the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy continues, Sundar's contributions with both bat and ball have been substantial. In eight innings, he has scored 284 runs at an average of 47.33, with one century and one fifty. He has taken seven wickets at 35.85, his best being 4/22 at Lord's. His contributions have come alongside useful contributions from Jaiswal (118), Jadeja (53), Akash Deep (66), and Dhruv Jurel (34) in India's second innings at the Oval.
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