“I also get to play different role” - Washington Sundar defends Gautam Gambhir amid his consistent batting position changes

Washington Sundar batted at three in the Kolkata test and at eight in the Guwahati test.

Indian Cricket Team all-rounder Washington Sundar defended Gautam Gambhir amid the criticism related to the batting order. He said that he is happy to walk in at any position the side wants him to and he wants to be the player who steps up for the team in every situation. 

Washington Sundar has been one of the players in the test side who doesn’t have a fixed batting number. He has been shuffled from top to bottom but the one thing which has stood out is his performances at different positions in the batting order.

In the first test against South Africa in Kolkata, Washington Sundar was promoted to three. And by far, he looked the best Indian batter across innings. However, in the second match, he was demoted and batted at eight and he yet again delivered. 

Under Gautam Gambhir’s tenure as head coach, Sundar’s last seven test innings have come at No. 5, No. 8, No. 9, No. 7, No. 3, No. 3 and No. 8. This has seen the head coach getting criticised for not giving the stability to the players.

I really want to be the cricketer who steps up whenever the team requires – Washington Sundar

Washington Sundar, who scored 48 in Guwahati, rubbished off all the criticism and said that he is happiest to bat wherever the team wants him to bat. He also hinted that consistent shuffling hasn’t bothered him at all. Speaking to reporters, he said.  

“I would say I am the happiest to bat wherever the team wants me to bat. That way, it is a lot more exciting. This is a team game,” Sundar said after the day’s play.

“Not at all. Honestly, I really want to be the cricketer who steps up whenever the team requires and wherever the team wants me to bat and bowl. I have to be ready and get things done for the team,” he said.

“No matter what situation I am in, it is very exciting for me that way. I also get to play different roles. I don’t think many get that opportunity. So, it is only exciting.”

Sundar will be holding the key for India in the second innings with the bat. South Africa have taken command of the match and India need to do something miraculous to win the match.  

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