Washington Sundar has emerged as India’s most dependable batter in the ongoing Test series. While the rest of the lineup has struggled for consistency, Sundar has stood tall with discipline and resilience. He is India’s highest run-scorer, the only Indian to cross 100 runs, and the batter who has faced the most deliveries—266 balls in just three innings. In a series dominated by collapses, Sundar’s calm at the crease has been India’s biggest positive.
The Confusing Demotion to No. 8
Despite his solidity, Sundar was surprisingly pushed down to No. 8, a move that left many questioning the team’s strategy. India demoting their best batter from Kolkata, felt counterintuitive. Analyzing his recent batting positions only reinforces the confusion: Sundar has batted at No. 3, 7, 8, and even 9 in his last 5 Test innings. This constant chopping and changing reflects a lack of clarity in his role.
A Pattern of Musical Chairs
Sundar’s versatility has become a double-edged sword. Instead of being anchored to a stable role, he is used as a plug-in option wherever there is a gap. From Kolkata to West Indies to England, his batting order has shifted dramatically. For a player showing such confidence and technique, this inconsistency is neither fair nor productive. In Test cricket, role clarity is key, and Sundar has not been given that.
Questionable Selection Calls
Putting Sai Sudharsan at No. 3, who is not even a regular in this Test XI right now, over Sundar raised eyebrows. At a time when India’s batting is fragile, dropping your most assured player down the order makes little strategic sense. Sundar deserves trust, not trial-and-error.
One of Gambhir’s Brightest Success Stories
Under head coach Gautam Gambhir, Washington Sundar has flourished across formats. His growth in Test cricket, in particular, has been one of Gambhir’s standout achievements. But development requires stability. To unlock Sundar’s full potential, management must provide a fixed role instead of treating him as a floating asset.
Sundar Has Earned His Place
Every time he walks out to bat, Sundar shows composure, patience, and accountability, qualities India desperately needs right now. He puts a price on his wicket, something several senior players have failed to do this series.
India must stop treating Washington Sundar like a utility option. He has earned consistency. He has earned respect. He has earned a fixed spot in India’s batting order.
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