Sandslash

Sandslash stands out among the plethora of defensive Pokemon in DPP NU with its combination of Rapid Spin + Stealth Rock, offering unique role compression and being one of the few viable Pokemon with Rapid Spin alongside Hitmonchan. One of Sandslash's better attributes over Hitmonchan is that it serves as a good physical wall to check common Pokemon such as Regirock and Skuntank while trading hits well with other physical attackers such as Hitmonchan and Medicham. All of these traits combined make Sandslash a great defensive utility Pokemon on bulky offense or defensive teams that need an entry hazard remover and Stealth Rock setter in the same teamslot.

Unfortunately, since Sandslash has to fulfill both roles for most of the time it spends on the field, it can sometimes end up on the passive side. Although Sandslash has a high base Attack stat, the general lack of EV investment means it struggles to break past certain Ghost-types trying to spinblock it despite its access to super effective coverage moves, whereas Hitmonchan exerts more offensive pressure. Sandslash's weak Special Defense is also irksome, as it can't easily take on some defensive responsibilities that other Stealth Rock users have against Drifblim and Electric-types. While Sandslash walls Regirock and reliably uses Rapid Spin against it, its lower Special Defense and Ground typing also means it can't reliably remove entry hazards against Ice Beam Nidoqueen, Cradily, and Cacturne.