Lakshmipathy Balaji advised India not to rush Washington Sundar back into the playing XI as the Tamil Nadu all-rounder has just recovered from the side strain he sustained during the five-match T20I series against New Zealand. Sundar has been out of action for over a month, having missed the last four T20Is against the Kiwis, the warm-up game against South Africa, and the opening fixture in the T20 World Cup versus the USA.
The game against Namibia on Thursday (February 12) could be a good opportunity
for the Indian team management to bring Sundar back into the playing XI, before tougher games ensue, starting with the one against Pakistan on Sunday (February 15). However, Balaji suggested that the Men in Blue should wait for a while before slotting him in.
"You can't play him in this match. When India get into a comfortable situation, and someone gets rested with an opposition having many left-handers, his off-spin might come into play. He has just returned from injury, so he must spend some time with the team and not play in this match straightaway," Balaji said about Sundar.
On the other hand, Balaji opined that Jasprit Bumrah should play the match against Namibia, as he needs some game time. The former Indian speedster feels that Mohammed Siraj, despite his three-for against the USA, could make way for Bumrah.
"He definitely needs game time and should play against Namibia. But Siraj performed excessively well with a three-wicket haul and a match-winning performance. But it's a good headache and healthy for the team. It's hard for Siraj. But it's a great cushion for India knowing that Siraj is present as a backup," added Balaji.
"He's not a player like KL Rahul that can adapt and absorb pressure in the middle order" - L Balaji on Sanju Samson
Balaji said Sanju Samson shouldn't be used in the middle-order. The Kerala wicketkeeper-batter had a forgettable series with the bat against the Kiwis, finishing with just 46 runs in five innings at a paltry average of 9.20. He lost his place in the playing XI to Ishan Kishan, who was the second-highest run-getter in the series.
"The present think tank tried that by giving him a specific role. But he's not a player like KL Rahul that can adapt and absorb pressure in the middle order. Yes, he has vast experience, but Sanju Samson shouldn't be played in the middle order," said Balaji (via the aforementioned source).
