Sanjay Manjrekar Criticizes Washington Sundar’s Selection Over Harshit Rana
The fourth Test at the MCG has sparked controversy. Team India’s playing XI includes Washington Sundar, not pacer Harshit Rana. Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar publicly questioned this decision. Sundar replaced Shubman Gill in the side. This move surprised fans and experts, given the MCG’s pace-friendly conditions.
Manjrekar, speaking on Star Sports, had concerns about the team’s selection. The pitch offered little help to spinners.
“Sundar Was Picked for Batting, Not Bowling”
Sundar, a spin-bowling all-rounder, was included despite Jadeja’s presence in the XI. Manjrekar noted that Sundar’s selection favored batting over bowling.
“I have a problem with this selection mindset. There is hardly anything for the spinners in the wicket but you still went in with Sundar, who will play as a batting all-rounder in this Test.”
“I feel Harshit Rana would have been good over here. The conditions in Melbourne are more suited to his style of bowling than Sundar’s,” Sanjay Manjrekar said on Star Sports.
Sundar was introduced to the attack in the final minutes of the second session. He dismissed Marnus Labuschagne, who was set for a big score. However, Manjrekar suggested that Harshit Rana could have made India’s pace attack more potent on a pitch favoring seamers.
Mark Nicholas Backs Manjrekar’s View
Renowned commentator Mark Nicholas echoed Manjrekar. He preferred to include Harshit Rana and Shubman Gill in his own XI.
“My playing XI had Harshit Rana and Shubman Gill but it seems that the management saw something different in the pitch,” Nicholas remarked during the broadcast.
Why the Decision Raised Eyebrows
The decision to play two spinners, Jadeja and Sundar, on a low-spin pitch sparked much debate. Jadeja was effective early, dismissing debutant Sam Konstas for 60. But, Sundar’s late bowling change suggested he was picked to boost the batting.
- Sam Konstas’ Aggressive Knock: The 19-year-old Aussie debutant hit 60 off 65 balls, with 6 fours and 2 sixes. His innings gave the hosts a strong start.
- Sundar’s Contribution: Sundar had few chances to bowl. But, he took Labuschagne’s key wicket, keeping India in the game.
Manjrekar’s Key Concerns
Manjrekar’s main issue is with the team’s focus on batting depth over bowling impact. Harshit Rana, a promising pacer, could have been a better fit for the Melbourne conditions. He could exploit the pace and bounce on offer.
India’s selection strategy for overseas Tests has faced scrutiny. It favors all-rounders over specialists. Sundar has bowled sparingly. This has reignited the debate on balancing batting depth with bowling strength.