Former Indian national cricket team batsman Murali Vijay has urged Gautam Gambhir to play Ravichandran Ashwin in the second Test match of the five-match series against the Australia national cricket team.

Murali Vijay wants the Gautam Gambhir-led Indian team management to drop Washington Sundar and replace him with veteran Ravichandran Ashwin in the Adelaide Test.

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Washington Sundar edged out Ravichandran Ashwin in the Perth Test by Gautam Gambhir

In what was a bold move, the Indian team management selected Washington Sundar over Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin for the first match of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test series in Perth.

This selection was made keeping in mind Sundar’s recent form and the veteran all-rounders had to warm the bench. Previously, Ravindra Jadeja used to play in SENA Tests for India as a sole player due to his exceptional batting ability.

However, the coaching staff led by Gautam Gambhir has given preference to Washington Sundar. So far, the youngster has played 7 Test matches for the Indian national cricket team and has scored 387 runs at an average of 48.37. Furthermore, he has bagged 24 wickets at an average of 23.91 and best bowling figures of 7/59.

In Australia, his Test experience is very limited as he only featured in two matches, scoring 117 runs and taking 6 wickets.

We need a skilled bowler to play under pressure – Murali Vijay

Meanwhile, Murali Vijay is not impressed with Washington Sundar and has demanded the inclusion of Ravichandran Ashwin for the pink ball Test in Adelaide.

He said there is a need for a “skilled bowler” in the Indian XI who can play under pressure. Vijay added that Sundar, at this stage of his career, is not equipped with the ability to deal with the pressure against the Australian team that will come in full force after the Perth Test defeat.

“If I had to make a change, I would think about playing Ravichandran Ashwin. Because we need a player who is skilled at bowling under pressure. And Washington is starting his career,” Murali Vijay said on Star Sports.

“So, I may not be able to withstand that kind of pressure against the Australians. Because if we allow them to return to the Test match, this will be the Test match the Australians will be watching. So I would add some experience to my bowling and Ashwin can bat too.”

“There are a lot of left-handers in the Australian set-up. So we all know what Ashwin can do to left-handers. So my choice would be Ravichandran Ashwin ahead of Washington Sundar,” he added.

I don’t think any change is necessary in our bowling line-up – Cheteshwar Pujara

However, Murali Vijay’s former teammate Cheteshwar Pujara was not on the same page as him. The disgraced batsman said the team management should not make any changes to the bowling unit for the Adelaide Test.

Cheteshwar Pujara felt that Washington Sundar did a pretty good job in the first match and should be retained in the playing XI.

“I don’t think there should be any change in the bowling line-up. Our bowling lineup did very well. We played very well as a bowling unit,” Cheteshwar Pujara said on Star Sports.

“Washington also got a couple of wickets. We are doing well as a bowling unit. And I don’t think any change is necessary in our bowling line-up,” Pujara added.