Pant and Jurel came under fire for throwing away their wickets on Day 3 of Guwahati Test.
India all-rounder Washington Sundar defended his teammates, Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel, for throwing away their wickets on Day 3 of the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati.
Sundar insisted that the duo's aggressive approach stemmed from intent rather than recklessness, but ultimately failed due to poor execution.
In reply to South Africa’s imposing first innings score of 489, the hosts lost wickets in clusters and were eventually bowled out for 201. However, the scrutiny was particularly severe on Pant and Jurel for their shot selection.
Pant, batting on 7, went after Jansen but ended up edging the short ball to the keeper's gloves, becoming the talking point of the entire third day. Before that Jurel (0) played a needless pull-shot off the same bowler to hole out to the mid-on fielder.
Addressing the media after the third day’s play, Sundar called for a balanced assessment, reminding that such strokes have worked for them in the past and are part of a larger team plan.
"On another day, the bowlers would have gone into the stands and all of us would have appreciated and clapped. That's how it is. Sometimes you just got to back their plans and their skill sets as well," Sundar told reporters.
"Given the fact that they have shown a lot of proof and evidence in the past as well. I think it is just about them backing their skill sets. Obviously, execution didn't go the way we wanted," he added.
Sundar was candid when asked if he felt that the track was like a snake pit with Jansen making deliveries fly from length.
"It wasn't a snake pit or whatever you may call it. It was a very good wicket. It was a true wicket. Not many days you will get to bat on such tracks, especially in India. Honestly, it is a true wicket. If you spend time there, runs are there for the taking," he remarked.
He also dismissed suggestions that there was a hint of uneven bounce as Jansen was getting the ball to rear up.
"It wasn't uneven at all. He is obviously the tallest going around and he gets that bit of a sharp bounce off good length. We have played such bowlers quite a lot.
"Just on another day, we would have batted the same deliveries a lot better and it would have seemed like a very different scenario."
When queried if he felt unsettled after being pushed up and down the batting order, Sundar replied: "I would say I am the happiest to bat wherever the team wants me to bat. That way, it is a lot more exciting. This is a team game."
During the series opener in Kolkata, Washington Sundar was promoted to bat at number three and in the current match, he came in at No. 8 and looked technically the most sorted player.
"Honestly, I really want to be the cricketer who steps up whenever the team requires and wherever the team wants me to bat and bowl. I have got to be ready and get things done for the team. That is the kind of mindset I am in.
"No matter what situation I am in, it is very exciting for me that way. I also get to play different roles. I don't think many get that opportunity. So, it is only exciting," he stated.
After gaining a hefty first-innings lead of 288 runs, South African openers Aiden Markram (12*) and Ryan Rickelton (13*) negotiated the new ball comfortably. As a result, the visitors reached 26/0 at stumps, stretching their overall lead to 314.
As the discussion moved towards the match situation, Sundar said: "Got to stay positive in life. You never know what will happen."
(With PTI Inputs)