Aakash Chopra says Washington Sundar can replace Kuldeep Yadav if tactical change needs to be done for Champions Trophy final against Kiwis

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has opined that India can think of replacing Kuldeep Yadav with Washington Sundar if they are to make any tactical change to their playing XI for the final clash against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy. Chopra reckons Sundar, being the off-spinner, can be handful against New Zealand’s left-handers.

Sundar hasn’t played any game so far in the eight-team tournament whereas Kuldeep has been part of the playing XI in all four games. The wrist spinner has picked five wickets at an average of 36.60 and an economy rate of 5.01 in the ongoing Champions Trophy.

“Why was Washington Sundar selected? That’s the big question. He was selected as you would get an off-spin variation. Why do you need the off-spin variation? You need it when there are a lot of left-handers in the opposition, and which team has the most left-handers? That is Team New Zealand,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.

“Can you play Washington Sundar in place of Kuldeep Yadav? I think you can do that. If a tactical change needs to be done, that’s the only change I will make. I will play Washington Sundar ahead of Kuldeep Yadav for this one game. It is not a slight on how Kuldeep is bowling. However, man-to-man marking, tactically and strategically, Washi can actually be a good pick,” Chopra added.

The renowned commentator recalled that Sundar’s resurgence started against New Zealand when he picked 16 wickets in the two Test matches in 2024.

“Washington Sundar has already done well against this team, whether it was the Pune ground or the Wankhede Stadium. Washington Sundar’s resurgence started against this team only. So there is a genuine, genuine question,” he said.

“There is no hard and fast rule that you need to go with the same team. Although it’s said why fix it if it ain’t broken, you might feel you have Varun as a wrist spinner and two finger spinners in Axar and Jadeja, but you don’t have a right-arm off-spinner, so you should play one,” Chopra elaborated.

Sundar can also chip in with the bat while batting down the order. India will take on New Zealand in the summit clash of the Champions Trophy at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai on Sunday.