But Abhishek Sharma's show in Zimbabwe will keep selectors interested
CHENNAI: Veteran
Ravindra Jadeja
had made the spin-bowling allrounder slot his own in the India T20I team and held on to it for a decade.
But with Jadeja bidding adieu to T20 internationals post the World Cup triumph, a crucial spot in the XI is up for grabs. India, over the years, have traditionally opted for one spin-bowling allrounder when fielding a full-strength XI and it could mean that
Axar Patel
,
Washington Sundar
and new kid on the block Abhishek Sharma go head to head to secure the position.
There may be a case where the think-tank decides to use two of them, as it was in the latter stages of the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean.
While Axar is set to be first-choice after his exploits in crunch moments in the marquee event,
Washington
has strengthened his claim with a 'Man of the Series' performance in the recent five-game assignment in Zimbabwe.
The 24-year-old Washington, who had made his T20I debut about seven years ago but could never quite nail down a place in the team, finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker - along with pacer
Mukesh Kumar
- with eight scalps at an economy rate of 5.17.
Washington acknowledged that he will have to stay at the top of his game amidst fierce competition for places. "I need to continue doing what I am good at and show what I am capable of. I need to do my job really well. I need to keep getting better in all aspects of the game. That way, everything will be taken care of," said Washington after delivering a 'Man of the Match' show in the third T20I against Zimbabwe in Harare.
"I need to be there every single day giving my 100 per cent. That is something I have never compromised on. It is important to stay in the present and put in good performances regularly. I am confident as well," added Washington.
While Washington and Abhishek may not be players of the same ilk, the latter could be a direct rival for the former. Be sides operating at the top of the batting order, Abhishek bowled left-arm spin in each of the five matches, picking up two wickets. The 23-year-old Abhishek also displayed his bowling credentials in the IPL, with a spell for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Rajasthan Royals in the second qualifier in Chennai in May.
"Washi (Washington) is a bowler who is very consistent in his line and length. Abhishek has quite a few variations. He has the arm ball and one that he bowls through the seam with the new ball, which is very deceptive. But he is not as consistent as Washi," J Hariesh, a Sunrisers coach who has observed both from close quarters, told TOI.
Asked if Washington and Abhishek will vie for the same spot in the India team, Hariesh replied: "That is true. Abhishek is an opening batter and is more destructive than Washi in T20s. His bat flow is superb. Abhishek is a great asset against the spinners as well as the new ball bowlers."
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