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"Not convinced Washi is India’s No. 3": Ganguly urges India to rethink their batting order

Harsh Adwani

Sourav Ganguly on Washington Sundar Batting at Number three [Source: @Cric_records45/x.com]Sourav Ganguly on Washington Sundar Batting at Number three [Source: @Cric_records45/x.com]

India faced a massive defeat at the hands of South Africa in the first Test of their ongoing series in Kolkata. The team failed to chase down 124 runs in the final innings and lost the match by 30 runs. The focus now shifts to Guwahati for the second Test, and before that, former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly has raised questions on India's batting lineup.

Ganguly believes that India needs to rethink their batting order and look for options beyond Washington Sundar at number three. While he considers Sundar a good all-rounder, he isn’t entirely convinced about him batting at number three.

“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.

The former BCCI president added that there need to be specific specialist batters for the top five positions. He isn’t convinced that Sundar can perform well at number three in conditions like those in Australia, South Africa, England, or New Zealand and that India needs to have a long-term plan.

“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,” he added.

Does India need four spinners?

India had opted for four spinners in the first Test, but they barely used Sundar in the game. He bowled just a solitary over. Further adding to his debate, Ganguly said that if Sundar is not going to get a chance to bowl, India can afford to have a specialist player at number three and continue with three spinners.

“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 (Gambhir) needs to consider all of this,” Ganguly added.

It remains to be seen whether India will continue with Sundar at number three or opt for a specialist for the position. Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal are waiting in the wings and can be considered as potential replacements.