Washington Sundar Promoted to No. 3 as Sai Sudharsan Dropped for IND vs SA 1st Test; Sunil Gavaskar Explains Strategy
India surprised fans by promoting Washington Sundar to No. 3 after dropping Sai Sudharsan for the IND vs SA 1st Test in Kolkata. Sunil Gavaskar explained the strategic call as India opted for a spin-heavy XI against South Africa.
Washington Sundar replaces Sai Sudharsan at No. 3 as India unveil a spin-heavy XI for the 1st Test against South Africa in Kolkata.
The elevation of Washington Sundar to the No. 3 batting slot for the first Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, has caught the attention of many fans and analysts alike. The organization of the Indian team was such that the young Sai Sudharsan was left out despite being one of the talents who, by his performance this year, had already proven to be a good long-term option for the Test side.
India's strategy was to play more spinners and thus the four-spin attack of Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel came into action with the three of them being all-rounders having a great impact on the team.
The Dropping of Sai Sudharsan
Sai Sudharsan, who made his debut in England in June, has been in and out of the Test squad more times than he would like. His last outing was against the West Indies at home where he scored a marvellous 87 in the first innings of the second Test. However, the team decided to change the balance for the South African confrontation.
The Rise of Sundar to No. 3
In the absence of Sudharsan, the Indian batting order underwent a change with Washington Sundar taking the captain Shubman Gill’s position at No. 4. The decision seems to have been swayed by Sundar's first Test century in England this year.
Sundar has never batted in the top four in Tests, but he has been a great performer lower down, with scores of 85 and 96 at No. 7 and No. 8, respectively.
Sunil Gavaskar, the cricket legend, elucidated on the tactical move, saying:
“Washington Sundar brings the left-hander angle. The left-hander Sundharsan at No. 3 was a left-hander, so Sundar takes his place directly at that spot.”
Gavaskar further remarked that the current form of Dhruv Jurel makes him “undroppable” in the batting order.
Toss and Team Changes
- South Africa captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and chose to bat first on a dry Kolkata pitch.
- South Africa made a forced change with Kagiso Rabada ruled out due to a rib injury.
- India introduced Rishabh Pant and Axar Patel, replacing Nitish Kumar Reddy and Sai Sudharsan.
India vs South Africa – 1st Test Playing XIs
South Africa:
Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne (w), Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj
India:
Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Washington Sundar, Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (w), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
