"You have to take these things in your stride" - Former India seamer's huge comment on Washington Sundar after AUS vs IND 2025 3rd T20I

Former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan advised Washington Sundar to take being in and out of the side in his stride after the latter's match-winning performance in the third T20I against Australia in Hobart on November 2. The 26-year-old was not part of the Indian playing XI in the opening two games.

Despite his selection for the third T20I, Sundar did not bowl a single over, with Australia predominantly having two right-handers batting at all times. Yet, the Tamil Nadu all-rounder remained unfazed and produced a heroic effort with the willow.

Chasing 187 for victory, India were in a spot of bother at 111/4 in the 12th over when Sundar walked out to bat. However, his effortless 49* off 23 deliveries helped India pull off a comfortable five-wicket win in the penultimate over.

Talking about Washington Sundar's constant uncertainty in the team and on his role post-match, Zaheer told Cricbuzz (4:57):

"Make use of the opportunities. Some changes are made tactically as well so an off-spinner in T20s is always finding it challenging as it depends on the combination and the opposition for figuring out your role. So you have to take these things in your stride and figure out how to approach it rather than thinking about the place in the side which can build frustration in you."

The former pacer hailed Sundar for capitalizing on most opportunities, saying:

"Washington Sundar is someone who is managing it beautifully. Every opportunity he has got, he just gets better and better. Eventually if you are achieving that consistency then the team management will also have confidence with this kind of a combination and create space for the guy who's been so consistent to reward him. This is the only way for anyone who's in and out of the team."

Sundar's batting exploits helped India level the five-match T20I series at 1-1 after three games (one no-result).

"You have to look at the conditions" - Zaheer Khan on India's playing XI for the 4th T20I

Zaheer Khan believes India's playing XI for the fourth T20I against Australia should be based on the conditions, despite the positive outcome in the third T20I. The Men in Blue made three changes to their side after the loss in the second game, with Arshdeep Singh, Washington Sundar, and Jitesh Sharma replacing Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, and Sanju Samson.

"Irrespective of the result, you have to look at the conditions. There may be one tactical change. If conditions are supporting fast-bowling, bringing in someone that can add more with the ball might be discussed. So there may be some change on the bowling front. Also the usage of Washington Sundar with the ball and Bumrah bowling three in the powerplay will be discussed. Other than that, I don't say any personnel change in this playing 11," said Zaheer (via the aforementioned source).

The all-important fourth Australia-India T20I will be played in Carrara on Thursday, November 6.

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Edited by Venkatesh Ravichandran