IND vs NZ 2022: He could be Indian cricket’s rockstar – Aakash Chopra on Washington Sundar

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra showered praise on Washington Sundar after the all-rounder’s impressive show in the ODI series against New Zealand. Sundar scored a fine cameo of unbeaten 39 runs off just 16 balls in the first ODI against New Zealand.

The left-hander had scored three fours and as many sixes to help India cross the 300-run mark in the series. Subsequently, he scored a fine knock of 51 runs off 64 balls in the third ODI on Wednesday against the Kiwis.

Sundar has shown that he can deliver the goods with the bat and he was at his best against the Blackcaps. The off-spinner can also bowl economically in the PowerPlay overs.

Speaking on his YouTune Channel, Aakash Chopra said, “Make a place for Washington Sundar. If you invest in him properly and he doesn’t get injured, he comes with a fragile sticker, going ahead he could be Indian cricket’s rockstar. If you see cricketing-wise, just his skill level, the potential the guy has, he has everything that should be there in a superstar.”

In the absence of Ravindra Jadeja, who is currently out with a knee injury, India has given chances to Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel to play as a spin-bowling all-rounders in the team.

“The number at which you are searching for an all-rounder, you stop at just one guy, who is Ravindra Jadeja. Then you extend your thinking a little bit and feel that you can keep Axar Patel. Then you think whether Ashwin can take that spot.”

Chopra added that Washington Sundar is a proper all-rounder as he can deliver with both bat and ball.

“I believe Washington Sundar is a proper all-rounder, he is not an illusionary all-rounder. He showed in this entire series that if you give him the opportunities, he can bowl as well, he will give 10 overs if the conditions are even slightly favorable. In T20 cricket also he bowls for you with the new ball.”

“He is a quality player. In batting, the way he plays pace or spin, whether you bowl fast or swing the ball, when he is batting he doesn’t look like a No. 7 or No. 8 batter. He looks like a guy who plays in the top three or four.”

Sundar has shown the right skills in all three formats of the game and he also scored a fine fifty in the historic Brisbane Test match against Australia.