Where does Sundar fit into India's ODI puzzle?

"One thing for sure, you always ask tough questions, controversial questions," Washington Sundar said, complementing it with an awkward laugh after his match-winning performance in Pallekele, where he had helped India clinch the third T20I in a dramatic Super Over.

His response came to a seemingly innocuous question about the frustration of sitting out the first two games of the series, only to be thrust into action when the series was already won and the team was experimenting use of part-timers in the crucial final overs.

The question, however, was rooted in the ongoing saga of Sundar's career in 2024, a year where opportunities had eluded him more often than they had presented themselves. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), where the national selectors had their sharpest gaze fixed for World Cup picks, Sundar's versatile all-round skills were undermined by the Impact Player rule. This restriction saw him bowl a mere five overs and face just one delivery with the bat throughout the tournament in which his team reaching the final. During a critical phase when the Indian selectors were identifying their best four-player spin attack, Sundar's primary show was carrying drinks.

Even outside the IPL, there was barely any game-time for the spinner, limited to three Ranji Trophy matches, in which he bowled less than 50 overs combined. Yet, when given a chance to shine with India's second-string side in Zimbabwe post the World Cup, Sundar emerged as the Player of the Series. However, his return to the main squad saw him back on the bench for the first two T20Is as India's near full-strength squad was assembled for the series in Sri Lanka.

Irrespective of how genuine his own feelings were about it, Washington offered a pragmatic perspective. "Unfortunately only eleven can play. So whenever the team needs me, and whenever I'm out on the park representing my country, I need to give my hundred percent, I need to do my job so that my team is winning. Whenever an opportunity is given to me, I've to make sure that I give my hundred percent and win games for India. That's the only mindset I'm in," he stated.

His assessment was fair. India's current spin arsenal is packed with quality, and offbreak bowlers are rarely the preferred choice in limited-overs cricket. But on the turning tracks of R Premadasa in the ODI leg, where spin-heavy attacks have been fielded by both India and Sri Lanka, Washington got a couple of more opportunities. In those games, with combined figures of 4 for 76, he has done enough to ensure he wasn't lagging too far behind the two other spinners in Axar Patel (3/71) and Kuldeep Yadav (3/66).

India's decision to field three frontline spinners in these games mirrored Rohit Sharma's pre-series statement that the ODI series against Sri Lanka wasn't solely a preparation ground for the next year's Champions Trophy, despite some experiments. India went in with a combination that's best suited for the conditions. However, with just six months and four games left before the mega tournament, where does Sundar fit into India's upcoming ODI plans?

The absences of Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah have allowed their respective backups to gain crucial game-time. Axar Patel's impressive performances have posed a significant challenge to the rested Ravindra Jadeja. But the question remains: in conditions outside of spin-friendly venues like Colombo, will there be room for a third spinner in the XI? If not, can India afford to field a lineup with Kuldeep Yadav batting at No. 8?

Sundar's bowling is complemented by his batting prowess which adds much-needed depth to the batting order. His versatility as a left-handed floater in the lineup also opens up numerous possibilities for the team and strengthens his case for selection.

The choices that Washington opens up are already a good sign for the Indian team, and he has only furthered his case by pouncing on every opportunity that has come his way, even if limited and much less than he probably deserved. In doing so, he has passed on his headache to the Indian selectors and team management.

To play or to leave out Washington Sundar? Controversial much? Probably.