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Gautam Gambhir's net session strategy: Sai Sudharsan's no. 3 batting dilemma and Washington Sundar's role
Head coach Gautam Gambhir is experimenting with Sai Sudharsan against spin, potentially preparing him for a No. 3 role. This move raises questions about Washington Sundar's place, despite his promising batting technique and bowling potential. The team faces a selection dilemma balancing form, roles, and team dynamics for the upcoming Test.
There was a point in Kevin Pietersen's career when the former England batter struggled heavily against spin bowling. Seeking guidance, he turned to Rahul Dravid, who advised him to face England spinners Monty Panesar and Graeme Swann in the nets wearing only a knee guard and standing on the front foot. The idea was to ensure Pietersen defended with his bat ahead of his pad.
Current India head coach Gautam Gambhir seems to be following a similar philosophy. On Tuesday at Eden Gardens, he instructed Sai Sudharsan to bat against spinners without a back pad. Sai has a habit of moving onto the back foot against spin—something Gambhir is keen to correct. With the next Test to be played on a turning surface in Barsapara, Guwahati, starting Saturday, the move suggests that Gambhir is strongly considering Sai for the playing XI.
Sai Sudharsan or Washington Sundar? The Big Selection Dilemma
If Sai returns to his regular No. 3 spot, the immediate question is what happens to Washington Sundar. The all-rounder impressed many with his technique on a sharply turning wicket in the first Test at Eden Gardens, lasting 82 and 92 balls in two innings and scoring 29 and 31. Gambhir admitted after the match that he was pleased with Washington's approach, especially his long forward stride that neutralised turn from South Africa's spinners.Former India opener and coach WV Raman, who has closely observed Washington's development, believes that while Washington shows promise, there are still areas to refine. Raman explained:
“Sometimes a very long stride on a turner can be counterproductive. My suggestion is to take a half-stride, gauge the length and play accordingly. Having said that, I think Washy has the most water-tight technique among the toporder batters in the Indian team.”
Raman, however, is clear that Washington deserves a stable batting role: “I am all for Sai playing, he is also a very good and sincere batter. But we should try and find a permanent slot for Washy at the top of the order. He needs that confidence and if he gets that, I think he will prosper.”
Gambhir's No. 3 Challenge: Balancing Form, Roles, and Team Dynamics
Since taking over as head coach, Gambhir has shown a degree of impatience with the No. 3 position. Initially, Shubman Gill was the first choice, but he moved down to No. 4 after Virat Kohli's retirement—an adjustment the management allowed considering Gill's stature.Sai was then elevated to No. 3, but during the England tour, Karun Nair played in that position while Sai was dropped. Against the West Indies in Delhi, Sai scored 87 and 39, showing signs of improvement. Raman believes the left-hander has made significant progress in his front-foot play, saying:
“You can see that he is getting better and it's not an easy choice for the team management to take a call on the No. 3, given the way Washy batted as well.”
Is India Undervaluing Washington Sundar's Bowling?
While Washington's batting has been the centre of discussion, there are concerns that promoting him as a top-order specialist may overshadow his bowling capabilities. He bowled only one over in the Kolkata Test.Raman feels that Washington deserves a more substantial role with the ball: “Washington is not a before-lunch change bowler, he is an extremely capable off-spinner. Having said that, he is essentially a top-order batter who bowls. The team should groom him that way.”
With the second Test approaching, India faces a complicated decision—back Sai Sudharsan at No. 3, reward Washington Sundar's resilience and technique, or attempt to balance both roles. Gambhir's experiments in the nets hint at changes, but the final call may define India's batting structure for the rest of the series.
[With TOI inputs]
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Source: EconomicTimes
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