For the first Test of the series against South Africa, the team management opted to drop Sai Sudharsan and promote Washington Sundar to no.3. On a difficult Eden Gardens pitch, India went into the fixture with four spinners in their lineup surprising many. While India looked in control on first two days, they were outclassed by visitors on Day 3, resulting in a 30-run defeat. Ahead of the second Test in Guwahati, Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Sourav Ganguly has suggested a few changes. Ganguly doesn't see Sundar as India's no.3 in Tests as he won't bat at this position in SENA countries (South Africa, England, Australia or New Zealand). He wants head coach Gautam Gambhir to have specialist batters for the top five positions.
“It’s been a tremendous time for Washington Sundar. I think he's a good cricketer, he bowls well, he bats well, but I'm not too sure whether No. 3 is a spot for him in Test cricket in the long run, across all conditions,” Ganguly said in an interview with India Today.
“Your top five batters, openers, No. 3, No. 4 and No. 5 must be specialists who can perform in those roles everywhere, and I'm not convinced Washi is India’s No. 3 in England, Australia, South Africa or New Zealand. That’s something Gautam needs to look at.”
Sundar bats the longest in Kolkata Test
Sundar scored most runs for India in the first Test. In the first innings, he scored 29 runs from 82 balls. In the run chase, he held on to one end for a long time, scoring 31 runs from 92 balls. He faced most number of deliveries in the Test.
Ganguly says ‘main spinners can deliver’
Ganguly also wants Gambhir to revisit his four spinner strategy. He pointed out that Sundar bowled just one over in the entire Test.
“He doesn't need four spinners in India, especially when Washi bowled only a single over in the entire Test. When the pitch spins and the main spinners can deliver 20-30 overs, you don't need four of them. So he needs to consider all of this,” Ganguly added.
India recall Reddy
Meanwhile, India have recalled Nitish Kumar Reddy who was released to play in the unofficial ODI series against South Africa. Reddy may get a nod ahead of Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal as India have plenty left-handers in the lineup.