IND vs SA: "Batting order is a joke in GG era"- Fans react to Washington Sundar batting at No. 3 for India in first test against South Africa
(Courtesy : Getty Images)
Washington Sundar is batting at number three for the very first time in his India career.
Many were taken aback by India‘s starting lineup for the first test match against South Africa. Head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill have chosen to start with two pacers and four spinners in the ongoing first test at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
Team India then made a decision that shocked a lot of people. Washington Sundar has been elevated to number three, which is usually designated for batters with specialized skills. To accommodate Sundar in the playing XI while including Kuldeep Yadav as well, the Indian team management controversially sacrificed Sai Sudharsan from the XI.
Sudharsan had been India’s new option at no. 3 since the England test tour, where he scored one fifty. He did well against the West Indies at home, scoring a brilliant 87 in the second test of the series in Delhi.
However, to accommodate Washington Sundar and Axar Patel in the XI and play Kuldeep Yadav as well, Sai Sudharsan was left out of the India XI.
Washington Sundar begins his reign at the No. 3 spot for India in tests
From the tour of England onward, India experimented with Sudharsan and Karun Nair at the vital one-drop position. But neither of the hitters consistently delivered strong returns, and Nair was even cut from the team.
Preferring all-rounders over specialists across forms has been more important since Gautam Gambhir took over the team.
This is seen in Sundar’s selection for the No. 3 position, which was previously held for extended periods of time by actors like Rahul Dravid and Cheteshwar Pujara. From 2023 to 2025, Shubman Gill also played there, albeit with mediocre results.
In 15 test matches, Sundar has amassed 761 runs at a modest 44 average. He also has slammed a ton and five half-centuries in his career so far. Having taken 35 wickets after one five-wicket and three four-wicket hauls, he also offers significant value with the ball.
Here is how the social media reacted to Washington Sundar batting at no.3:
Who is batting at number-three for India in the first IND vs SA test?
Washington Sundar is batting at number-three for India in the first IND vs SA test.
Who won the toss in the first IND vs SA test?
South Africa won the toss in the first IND vs SA test.
For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.
Where passion meets insight — blending breaking news, in-depth strategic analysis, viral moments, and jaw-dropping plays into powerful sports content designed to entertain, inform, and keep you connected to your favorite teams and athletes. Expect daily updates, expert commentary and coverage that never leaves a fan behind.
- IND vs SA Dream11 Prediction, Dream11 Playing XI, Today Match 3rd T20I, India vs South Africa T20I series 2025
- Yashasvi Jaiswal eyes Shubman Gill’s spot in T20Is; Smashes brilliant 101 for Mumbai in SMAT 2025-26
- When was the last time Suryakumar Yadav scored a half-century in T20I cricket?
- U19 Asia Cup 2025: India U19 avoid handshake with Pakistan counterparts
- IND vs SA: Live streaming details, when and where to watch 3rd T20I of India vs South Africa T20I series 2025
- Yashasvi Jaiswal eyes Shubman Gill’s spot in T20Is; Smashes brilliant 101 for Mumbai in SMAT 2025-26
- When was the last time Suryakumar Yadav scored a half-century in T20I cricket?
- U19 Asia Cup 2025: India U19 avoid handshake with Pakistan counterparts
- IND vs SA: Live streaming details, when and where to watch 3rd T20I of India vs South Africa T20I series 2025
- IND vs SA: "Everyone is flexible..."- Tilak Varma backs Gautam Gambhir's plan to shuffle batting order despite backlash