Washington Sundar batted at No. 3 for India in Kolkata Test.
Legendary off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has questioned the Indian team management’s decision to leave Sai Sudharsan out of the playing XI for the first Test against South Africa in Kolkata.
The hosts opted for Washington Sundar at No. 3 instead, valuing his all-round skills on a turning track of Eden Gardens. However, the plan backfired as India suffered a shocking 30-run defeat to concede 1-0 lead to Proteas in the two-Test series.
Sudharsan made his Test debut on the tour of England, where he batted at No. 3 position. The southpaw had also batted at one down spot against the West Indies at home, where he produced a fine knock of 87 in Delhi Test. But the Indian think tank made a bold move in Kolkata—fielding four spinners and promoting Sundar to No. 3 position in the batting order.
Ashwin expressed concerns over Sai Sudharsan’s snub, stressing how such decisions can unsettle a young player’s mindset.
"I'm really worried for Sai Sudharsan, he is a good player. What would he be thinking after being dropped? I always feel that four spinners is too many to have in a team. Washington Sundar did not even bowl in the second innings. You play four spinners, then you don't give a single over to one of them. These are all going to play into the confidence of the players," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
While Sundar scored 29 and 31 across two innings in Kolkata, he barely featured with the ball – delivering just one over in the first innings and not bowling at all in the second.
Ashwin highlighted the importance of clarity and stability in Test cricket, warning that India’s approach in Kolkata could hurt them in the longer run.
"I know that in a T20I you tend to go with all-rounders, but specialists will work in Tests. In many ways, to create a lot of stability without insecurity, and giving people the roles are extremely crucial. These are crucial WTC Points, India were looking prime to be in the final, because even Gill said at the toss that he will win one directly in the final. But we have to reach there first, and this match is a huge blow for that," he added.
Commenting on India’s no. 3 experiment, Ashwin called for patience but also questioned the long-term clarity behind the move.
"He (Sundar) has the ability. But whether it is the right decision, only time can answer. We can speak about it, and dissect it after a loss, but we have to give him time. I really think Sai Sudharsan has a good future. If we are to build the team around a No.3, you need a No.3 for that. See the batters that have played at No.3, and there is stability required. If you are taking the Washington Sundar route, I hope you stick with Washi for a few years. The decision for the No.3 batter cannot be fleeting, depending on the conditions," Ashwin explained.
India will have some time to regroup and reassess their batting plans before taking on South Africa in the second Test at Guwahati from November 22.