{"id":284416,"date":"2025-07-23T05:39:17","date_gmt":"2025-07-23T05:39:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/284416\/"},"modified":"2025-07-23T05:39:17","modified_gmt":"2025-07-23T05:39:17","slug":"not-nitish-reddy-ravi-shastri-picks-25-year-old-as-indias-next-genuine-allrounder-cricket-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/284416\/","title":{"rendered":"Not Nitish Reddy! Ravi Shastri Picks 25-Year-Old As India’s Next Genuine Allrounder | Cricket News"},"content":{"rendered":"

Last Updated:July 22, 2025, 11:50 IST<\/p>\n

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri gives his take on who among the current lot has the qualities to become the next genuine allrounder.\"Nitish<\/p>\n

Nitish Reddy (left) and Washington Sundar (AFP Photo)<\/p>\n

Washington Sundar has been earmarked by Ravi Shastri as India\u2019s next \u201cgenuine” Test allrounder, given his lethal bowling in home conditions and his natural batting talent.<\/p>\n

The 25-year-old offspinner, who made a remarkable Test debut at the Gabba in 2021, has had limited opportunities in red-ball cricket since then. In 11 Tests, Washington has scored 545 runs and taken 30 wickets.<\/p>\n

\u201cI always loved Washington. When I saw him on day one, I said he\u2019s the man. And he can be a genuine all-rounder for many, many years for India,” Shastri said on The ICC Review.<\/p>\n

Shastri feels Washington should have played more red-ball matches, especially considering his proven effectiveness on turning tracks at home.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe again is just 25 years of age. I think he should have played a lot more Test cricket. Can be lethal in India on tracks where the ball is turning, as New Zealand found out when they played against India. He out-bowled some of the senior spinners. He bowled that well and he can bat.”<\/p>\n

Washington was the joint highest wicket-taker in the 2024 home Test series against New Zealand, finishing with 16 wickets in four innings.<\/p>\n

Shastri, who oversaw Washington\u2019s Test debut, also praised his batting abilities, suggesting the Tamil Nadu player could be promoted up the order.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a naturally talented batsman. He\u2019s no number 8. He can go at 6 very soon in the batting lineup.”<\/p>\n

In the ongoing England series, Washington has made significant contributions with both bat and ball. At Lord\u2019s, his 4\/22 in the second innings, including the prized scalps of Joe Root, Ben Stokes, and Jamie Smith, turned the match in India\u2019s favour.<\/p>\n

Shastri added that Washington\u2019s technical attributes make him valuable even in overseas conditions.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd once he gains confidence, I think he\u2019ll get better and better because even overseas he\u2019s got the drift, he\u2019s got the pace, he\u2019s got the strength in his fingers and the fitness. You know, do both long spells and do the controlling job when needed.”<\/p>\n

With PTI Inputs<\/p>\n

\"authorimg\"Feroz Khan<\/a><\/p>\n

Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience in digital…Read More<\/p>\n

Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience in digital… Read More<\/p>\n

view comments<\/p>\n