Former Indian cricketer Murali Kartik was baffled by Sunrisers Hyderabad’s strategy to send Abdul Samad ahead of proven Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar in their clash against five-time champions Mumbai Indians. Aiden Markram-led side has lost three matches in the five games they have played so far in the league.
Speaking to Cricbuzz in the post-match analysis of Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians, Murali Kartik expressed his disappointment over the utilization of their all-rounder Washington Sundar as he was sent below Marco Jansen and Abdul Samad and added their impact player Samad could not make an impact for the team.
“I’m sorry, I never criticize anyone because we have all played the game. We are sitting comfortably in this AC room wearing the jackets, it’s not easy. But the faith that they have shown in Abdul Samad, I’ve never understood that. He has never made that impact. Washington Sundar is such a good player, has played for India. Why isn’t he utilized? If you keep repeating such mistakes, you will remain lower in the points table,” Murali Kartik said.
Washington Sundar has been a good off-spinner with very handy batting potential and is also an impeccable fielder. In T20 cricket, Sundar is an excellent defensive bowler who has a knack for picking up important wickets, Sundar has played many valuable for India and his State-side Tamil Nadu in the middle order.
Sunrisers Hyderabad Need To Make Him Bat Higher – Murali Kartik
Murali Kartik believes it is important to give the confidence of playing him all the games, as the team management brought back in the 2nd innings as an impact player for England’s Harry Brook against KKR and added that Sundar is the team’s primary spinner and he should be trusted to bowl in the powerplay for the 2016-champions.
“First of all, give him the confidence that he is going to play. He is not an ‘impact player’, he is a main player. It would have been understandable if Sundar was being used as an ‘impact player’ if they had Harbhajan and Ashwin in their team. He bowls well in the powerplay and should be given the first over. They also need to make him bat higher,” Murali Kartik added.
Sunrisers Hyderabad will take on Chennai Super Kings at their home fortress, Chepauk on April 21. Washington Sundar is the homeboy and would look to produce a match-winning performance against the four-time champions in his home conditions.