Regarding Washington Sundar‘s batting stance, which has become a hot topic of discussion during the current two-match Test series against South Africa, former Indian cricketer Anil Kumble has offered his opinions. Unexpectedly, Sundar was moved up to No. 3 in the opening Test match at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, while Sai Sudharsan was left out of the starting lineup.
In the second Test, held at Guwahati’s Barsapara Cricket Stadium, the team management, however, took a different approach. Widespread criticism followed the all-rounder’s demotion, particularly since Sundar answered with a gritty 48 off 92 balls lower down the order, which further complicated the decision’s justification.
“I understand that Sundar was sort of pushed to the top of the order in the most recent game, but I believe that his position—number seven or number eight—is correct because that’s where he can harm the opposition. Additionally, the upper order must calm down,” Kumble stated on the Star network.
Sundar was demoted to No. 8 in the batting order, and Sudharsan was reinstated in the starting lineup.
After India collapsed to 122 for 7 in their opening innings in Guwahati, the batsman, who was born in Tamil Nadu, formed a crucial 72-run partnership with Kuldeep Yadav for the eighth wicket. Though it was still unable to stop South Africa from gaining a dominant 288-run first-innings advantage, their stand was essential in helping the hosts surpass the 200-run threshold. Temba Bavuma, the captain of South Africa, decided to bat again rather than enforce the follow-on despite the advantage.
He had a lot of bravery, in my opinion, to simply come up, stay put, and form a solid alliance with Kuldeep Yadav. If this hadn’t happened, Temba Bavuma probably wouldn’t have had to return to see if he needed to enforce follow-on once more. I’m confident that India would have been batting here in the second innings if Kuldeep had been removed early. Therefore, it’s a little frustrating,” Kumble remarked.
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