Ajinkya Rahane reveals why Washington Sundar was picked ahead of Kuldeep Yadav for the Gabba Test

Kuldeep Yadav was the lone player who didn't feature in any of the Test fixtures against Australia. The Chinaman could have got the chance to play the decider at the Gabba considering that Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja were unavailable due to the injuries they sustained during the third Test. 

Just a few minutes before the Day 1 of the Brisbane Test, Washington Sundar was handed the debut cap. Kuldeep found himself in the fringes yet again. 

However, Ajinkya Rahane revealed why Washington was picked ahead of Kuldeep. In an interview with India Today, the stand-in skipper elucidated that Sundar was given a nod because of the abundance of options he offered to the table. A street-smart bowler and a competent batsman - An all-rounder of Washington Sundar's stature is a luxury for a captain to have in any format. Playing his debut Test, the 21-year-old showed no signs of nerves. His all-round performance helped India breach the Gabba fortress and retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. More importantly, Rahane's tactical decision worked efficiently. 

“It was a really tough call because Kuldeep was there as a spinner and he deserved to play. But then we had to see our best combination for the given day and the Test match. Washington came in because of his batting. I was thinking about playing 5 bowlers and he could give us that option as well. We know he is a very good batsman and he proved that,” - Rahane told India Today.

After the triumph Down Under, Ajinkya Rahane lauded Kuldeep Yadav for always maintaining a positive attitude despite not getting a game. Talking about the gesture, the 32-year-old said it is important to boost the morale of the youngsters as he has been in the same place in his formative days of career. 

"I have been in that situation. Before making my Test debut, for 2 years I was just outside (the eleven). I believe that each and every member of the team is really capable of winning the Test match for you and you have got to back them. I know Kuldeep's role in our team is very crucial and he will play a big part in future as well. For me boosting the confidence of players in their abilities is really important.” said Ajinkya Rahane.

[India Today input]