Former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin questioned Washington Sundar’s role after India suffered a 34-run loss against Ireland in the first T20I at Belfast on Friday. This was Ireland’s first ever-win against India in any format of the game.

Sundar conceded 19 runs in the solitary over he bowled and also went wicketless. Furthermore, the left-hander was dismissed after scoring nine runs off 12 balls and thus could not deliver the goods.

Meanwhile, Ireland posted a par score of 182 runs on the board after Lorcan Tucker and Gareth Delany scored 50 and 49 runs respectively. However, India was bowled out for 148 as none of the batters, barring Abhishek Sharma, could show some resistance.

Ashwin said on his YouTube Channel, “The team management has backed Washington Sundar. His place has been confirmed in this Indian team. But I just feel that Washington Sundar plays in the team, but his role is not there. He is on the field but gets just one over, or doesn’t get a single over at times.”

Ashwin also questioned Sundar’s batting position after he batted at number six. The former off-spinner said Sundar is not a finisher and must bat higher as a floater.

“If you remember, during the World Cup, vice-captain Axar Patel was dropped for Washington Sundar against South Africa. That is the amount of backup Washington Sundar is getting. Even in batting, he is being used as a finisher, and he is not a finisher. He should be used as a floater, like how Rahul and Rohit used Axar. It feels a bit like a wrong role utilization of Washington Sundar,” he remarked.

The second T20I between Ireland and India will be played at Belfast on Sunday.