Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has questioned the team management’s long-term strategy after naming Washington Sundar at No. 3, sidelining Sai Sudharsan during the first Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The Men in Blue took an unorthodox approach by including four spinners, with an all-rounder batting at No. 3, while the left-handed batter was once again benched.
Team India has been grappling with the No. 3 spot during this transition phase but has yet to settle on a reliable choice or provide a consistent run for any candidate. Karun Nair and Sai Sudharsan were tried in the top order during the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Sudharsan had been locked in for the home series against the West Indies. Despite recording a promising 87 in the second Test against Roston Chase and company in Delhi, Sudharsan found himself dropped from the playing XI once again. Previously, he was excluded just after his debut at Headingley, Leeds, against England.
Ashwin expressed concern that the lack of consistent opportunities could undermine players’ confidence. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he said, “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.”
He added, “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 their 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.”
Ashwin urged the team management to finalize their choice for the No. 3 batter and avoid changing it based on conditions. “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,” he elaborated.
Washington Sundar delivered a decent performance on his maiden outing at No. 3 on a challenging wicket, scoring 29 and 31 in the first and second innings respectively. However, he bowled only one over throughout the match.
**India urged to focus on preparation ahead of second Test**
With a crucial second Test against South Africa looming, Team India faces multiple challenges. Shubman Gill’s injury and unavailability, along with the batters’ ongoing struggles against spin, have added to concerns as the hosts aim to avoid a second consecutive home series loss within 12 months.
Ravichandran Ashwin advised the Indian team to concentrate on preparation and building confidence rather than obsessing over pitch behavior. “The pressure is now all on India. If I am sitting in the South Africa dressing room, I will start looking downwards from now itself because there will be no bounce in Guwahati, and I will also be going in with a lot of smiles. India will be burning the midnight oil now. They will already be thinking about what wicket to prepare, what combination to play. I would say forget about the pitch, and focus on the practice and confidence. If we do that, I think we will come out okay. But if we continue to obsess over the pitch, I think we are in for another trouble-filled Test,” Ashwin concluded.
The second Test between India and South Africa will begin on Saturday, November 22, at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. This match will mark the first time the venue hosts an international red-ball game.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/news-i-m-really-worried-sai-sudharsan-indian-legend-s-huge-statement-team-selection-ind-vs-sa-2025-1st-test
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