Sourav Ganguly Says Washington Sundar Not Suited for No. 3 Role in Test Cricket

Following India’s 30-run defeat to South Africa in the opening Test at Eden Gardens, former India captain Sourav Ganguly has shared a pointed critique of India’s team composition and batting order. The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) President expressed doubts about Washington Sundar ’s suitability for the No. 3 role in Test cricket, urging the team management, led by head coach Gautam Gambhir, to rely on specialist batters in the top order.

While Sundar contributed scores of 29 and 31 in difficult batting conditions, India’s overall collapse and questionable team balance reignited conversations around role clarity and team selection ahead of the second Test in Guwahati.

Ganguly on Sundar’s Batting Position — “He’s a Good Cricketer, But Not a No. 3”

Ganguly, speaking exclusively to India Today, praised Washington Sundar’s versatility but cautioned that the No. 3 spot demands specialist skills that may not align with the all-rounder’s strengths.

“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 remarked.

The former India skipper pointed out that batting in the top five, especially at No. 3, requires technical expertise and adaptability against high-quality pace and swing in overseas conditions.

“Your top five batters—openers, No. 3, No. 4 and No. 5—must be specialists who can perform in those roles everywhere. 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,” Ganguly added.

Context — Sundar’s Promotion and India’s Batting Collapse

In the first Test at Eden Gardens, Sundar was promoted to bat at No. 3 following early wickets. Although he showed composure on a turning pitch, India’s batting lineup faltered repeatedly, losing wickets in clusters while chasing a modest 124-run target in the fourth innings.

India’s failure to stitch meaningful partnerships and the lack of stability at the top order exposed a larger issue — a reliance on all-rounders instead of specialist batters in key positions.

Ganguly’s Advice to Gambhir — “No Need for Four Spinners in India”

Ganguly also criticised the decision to field four spinners on a home surface, suggesting that India’s bowling attack lacked balance.

“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,” Ganguly said.

During the Kolkata Test, India primarily relied on Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel to handle the spin workload. Sundar, despite being listed as an all-rounder, was largely unused as a bowler.

Tactical Imbalance — Over-Reliance on Spin and Underused Bowlers

Ganguly highlighted that India’s selection strategy appeared reactive rather than proactive. On spinning tracks, a fourth spinner often becomes redundant, particularly when two or three frontline options are capable of long spells.

The decision to include four spinners backfired, as the team lacked a pace-bowling option to exploit early reverse swing or create breakthroughs on Day 3. The result was a lack of variety and over-dependence on similar bowling styles.

India’s Batting Struggles and the Need for Specialist Roles

India’s inability to handle both spin and pace in home conditions has sparked debate about technical preparation and player roles.
Ganguly’s comments underline a recurring issue in Indian cricket — the tendency to experiment with all-rounders in key batting slots.

According to him, while Sundar remains a valuable utility player, his best role is lower down the order, where he can anchor partnerships and provide balance rather than being exposed early against the new ball.

“India’s top order needs solidity. You can’t expect a makeshift No. 3 to adapt overnight to conditions that demand experience and temperament,” Ganguly explained.

Lessons From Kolkata — “Win Tests in Five Days, Not Three”

Echoing his earlier comments after India’s loss at Eden Gardens, Ganguly stressed the importance of focusing on consistent performances over quick results. He reminded the team that playing on extremely spin-friendly surfaces can often backfire.

“You must prepare pitches where your skills are tested for all five days. Win Tests in five days, not three,” Ganguly had said earlier this week.

This aligns with the growing sentiment among former players that India’s domestic pitches need to offer a more balanced contest between bat and ball to prepare players for overseas challenges.

Gautam Gambhir’s Approach Under Scrutiny

Gautam Gambhir, in his early days as India’s head coach, has been praised for his aggressive mindset but also criticised for some tactical gambles — including his insistence on a spin-heavy lineup and backing all-rounders in top-order roles.

While his approach is bold and in line with India’s home dominance philosophy, Ganguly’s statements serve as a reminder that team balance and role clarity remain non-negotiable in Test cricket.

Looking Ahead — The Guwahati Challenge

India trail 0–1 in the three-match Test series and now face a must-win situation in the second Test starting November 22 at Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati. With conditions likely to assist seamers early on, the team management may be forced to rethink both its batting order and bowling combination.

Sundar’s position in the playing XI will likely come under scrutiny, while selectors might consider bringing in another specialist batter in place of an additional spinner.