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How to tune into Sport NationBharat: Questioning Khawaja's dedication is unfair and out of line
SEN • November 26th, 2025 5:58 pm
SEN Cricket's Bharat Sundaresan has backed under-fire opener Usman Khawaja following a barrage of criticism over his availability during the opening Ashes Test in Perth.
In a written piece with Cricbuzz, Sundaresan revealed Khawaja's true preparation in the lead-up to the Perth Test, citing the hours spent in the nets over the course of the Ashes opening week as an indication of his stern dedication and top-tier workload.
Khawaja was unable to open in Australia's first innings, spending too long off the ground due to ongoing back spasms. Entering the second innings the next day, Khawaja withdrew from opening duties once again due to continued back concerns.
However, while many have credited the issues to the 36-year-old's round of golf a day before the opening Test, Bharat argues that questioning his dedication and preparation to the side are simply out of line.
"Usman Khawaja won a golf tournament on the eve of the first Test in Perth. He played 18 holes alongside Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland and some of the Australian coaching staff," Sundaresan wrote.
"He also though batted for a cumulative six hours in the nets across the three days leading to his golf outing on Thursday.
"Khawaja was the first batter in alongside Steve Smith last Tuesday. To question his dedication to cricket is unfair and out of line.
"That would entail a level of scapegoating that crosses the line in this scenario."
