Why India Replaced Sai Sudharsan With Washington Sundar at No. 3 – Explained

In a major selection surprise, India have decided to replace Sai Sudharsan with Washington Sundar at No. 3 for the first Test against South Africa. Fans are now asking: Why India replaced Sai Sudharsan with Washington Sundar at No. 3 despite Sudharsan’s strong recent form? The team management has provided a clear tactical explanation based on balance, spin depth, and squad composition.

Why India Made the Change

1. Four-Spinner Tactical Plan for Kolkata

India wanted to field four spinners — Jadeja, Axar, Kuldeep, and Sundar — to exploit the surface.

Dropping a pure batter became necessary to maintain team balance.

2. Need to Fit Both Wicketkeepers

The playing XI required both Rishabh Pant (keeper-batter) and Dhruv Jurel (form player).

This pushed India toward an all-rounder-heavy lineup, making Sudharsan the unfortunate exclusion.

3. Washington Sundar’s All-Round Value

Sundar offers:

  • Solid defensive technique
  • Ability to bat long innings
  • Off-spin option that completes the balance

His red-ball average and stability in pressure settings were key factors.

4. Flexibility for Shubman Gill at No. 4

Gill wanted to return to his preferred No. 4 slot.

Sundar’s elevation helps India maintain structure.

Impact on Sudharsan

The decision does not reflect poor performance. India made it clear Sudharsan remains part of long-term plans.

However, for this match and conditions, his role was considered non-essential.

………

FAQs

Q1. Why India replaced Sai Sudharsan with Washington Sundar at No. 3?
  • Because India needed an all-rounder to support a four-spinner attack while retaining two wicketkeepers and maintaining balance.
Q2. Has Washington Sundar batted at No. 3 before?
  • Not in Test cricket. This is his first time.
Q3. Is Sudharsan dropped permanently?
  • No. This is a tactical decision for this Test only.
Q4. Will India continue using this experiment?
  • It depends on Sundar’s performance at No. 3 and pitch conditions in upcoming Tests.
  • Washington Sundar replaces Sai Sudharsan at No. 3 for India in Test vs South Africa

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