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"Happiest to bat...": Washington Sundar defends Gill-Gambhir amid puzzling role

Soumyajit Dutta

Washington Sundar and Gautam gambhir [Source: @sachin_rt, @ImYorker93/X.com]Washington Sundar and Gautam gambhir [Source: @sachin_rt, @ImYorker93/X.com]

India all-rounder Washington Sundar has dismissed any talk of being unsettled by his frequently changing batting position. Despite being shuffled from number 3 to number 8 in consecutive Tests against South Africa, the 26-year-old remains fully committed to the team's needs.

Washington Sundar remained calm even after heavy criticism of Gautam Gambhir after the troubled batting order puzzle in Eden Gardens and then in Guwahati.

Sundar unfazed by batting order changes

When asked if the constant movement of batting position bothered him, Sundar was clear and unwavering in his team-first attitude.

"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. 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 to be ready and get things done for the team," Sundar said in the press conference.

The numbers highlight the instability. Under Gambhir, Sundar's last seven Test innings have been at five different positions, ranging from No. 3 to No. 9. His recent promotion to number 3 in Kolkata was followed by an immediate demotion to number 8 in Guwahati. 

Sundar remains a semi-vital cog for India

Nevertheless, the all-rounder, though he remained wicketless in the first innings of the 2nd Test against South Africa, bagged a gritty 48 off 92 balls when India was reeling at 119/6 on Day 3. 

Sundar's spin has been of notable assistance for the team in the wake of the tornado Eden Gardens pitch, where he aided in restricting the run flow of the visitors. While he remained wicketless, his deputy work beside Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav remains noteworthy.

With the bat, Sundar might have to produce another miracle on Day 5 as South Africa fixates on giving a 600+ target to Team India on the last day, and if India aims to win virtually, contributions will be needed from the top to the bottom of the batting order.