'India Can't Repeat 2019 World Cup Mistake': Gautam Gambhir Wants Young All-Rounder To Play At No. 6 For Team India

India Tour Of Australia: According to cricketer-turned-commentator Gautam Gambhir, the biggest reason for team India's defeat was that they did not have any sixth bowler.

Photo: AFP

Ind vs Aus: In the first One-Day-International against Australia, Indian cricket team faced a humiliating defeat at Sydney Cricket Ground. So, what is the reason behind this big defeat, former cricketers and experts are thinking about it. According to cricketer-turned-commentator Gautam Gambhir, the biggest reason for team India's defeat was that they did not have any sixth bowler.

The former opener also said that Team India should solve this problem as soon as possible. According to Gambhir, Team India management should not repeat the mistake they made in the 50-overs World Cup last year.

Ind vs Aus: Gautam Gambhir Believes India Desperately Needs A 'Complete All-rounder' At No. 6

Gambhir, in a chat with ESPNcricinfo, said that when we thing about our preparations for 2023 World Cup, it is very important to find an alternative. India cannot make the same mistake that it made during the 2019 World Cup. Gambhir believes that if Pandya does not bowl further, then it is very important to find an alternative. He thinks the national team needs a player who can bat in the top 6 and then also bowl 6-8 overs.

"It has been happening since the last World Cup, if Hardik Pandya is not fit to bowl, then where is your sixth bowling option? Even if Rohit Sharma comes back into the lineup, the problem you are facing now, you will face the same going ahead. There is no one in top six who can give you a couple of overs," Gambhir said.

India Tour Of Australia: Gautam Gambhir Considers Washington Sundar As All-rounder In Playing XI

Gautam Gambhir further named young sensational all-rounder Washington Sundar as a player at number six position in the national squad. He also suggested that it's not necessary that an all-rounder of the team should always be a fast bowler. Gambhir said that as Vijay Shankar is not fit yet, Sundar is a good option as an all-rounder in the playing XI.

He said, "I think you can promote Washington Sundar. I want KL Rahul to be batting at number 4. He is a great batsman. Sundar can bat with Pandya and Jadeja at number six or seven. He is a bowler who can bowl with a new ball. Apart from this, if two left handers are at the crease, then he can be good option."

IND vs AUS: Team India 'Desperately' Needs A Sixth Bowler Against Australia!

Washington is not part of the beautiful ODI team. He has only been given a place in the T20 team. That is, he is currently with the team. The 21-year-old Sundar has got the opportunity to play only one ODI so far. He has played 23 T20 Internationals so far. After the match on Friday, captain Virat Kohli also said that he is missing the sixth bowler. Hardik Pandya does not bowl these days. In the match, Pandya said that he can bowl in the World Cup and big matches. At the moment, he is not in a condition to bowl.