Ganguly’s Bold Claim on Sundar’s No. 3 Role
The Indian cricket landscape is buzzing with a controversial take from one of its most respected voices. Former captain Sourav Ganguly has openly expressed his skepticism about Washington Sundar No. 3 being the right fit for India’s most pivotal batting position in Test cricket. This isn’t just casual commentary; it’s a powerful statement from a man who built India’s modern Test team, and it demands a closer look.
Table of Contents
- What’s the Controversy?
- Why No. 3 is the Most Crucial Spot in Test Cricket
- Sundar’s Record: A Deeper Dive
- Ganguly’s Philosophy on Test Specialists
- Who are India’s Viable No. 3 Options?
- Conclusion: The Specialist Debate
- Sources
What’s the Controversy?
The debate ignited after India’s recent Test match where Washington Sundar was slotted in at the No. 3 position. Ganguly was quick to voice his concerns, stating plainly, “He’s a good cricketer, but not a No. 3” . His core argument is that the top five batters in the lineup—especially at positions like No. 3, No. 4, and No. 5—must be “specialists who can perform in those roles everywhere” . He emphasized that this is non-negotiable in the toughest overseas conditions like England, Australia, and South Africa . The former captain believes that relying on a talented all-rounder like Sundar in such a high-pressure batting role is a strategic risk that could backfire when the team needs rock-solid stability.
Why No. 3 is the Most Crucial Spot in Test Cricket
The No. 3 position is often considered the backbone of a Test batting order. This batter typically walks in during the most volatile phase of an innings—either to join a new opener after an early wicket or to rebuild a crumbling innings. The role demands immense technical proficiency, mental fortitude, and the ability to absorb pressure for long periods. Historically, India has entrusted this crucial spot to its batting greats, most notably Rahul Dravid, whose legendary status was built on his masterful occupation of the No. 3 slot .
Playing a part-time batter or an all-rounder here can disrupt the team’s core balance, especially on seaming or bouncy tracks abroad where specialist batters are tested to their limits.
Sundar’s Record: A Deeper Dive
While Washington Sundar is a highly valued member of the Indian squad for his ability to contribute with both bat and ball, his primary strength remains his left-arm spin. His Test batting record presents a mixed picture. Across his Test career, he boasts a respectable average of 44.76 , but this figure is heavily influenced by his century against Australia in 2021. His overall body of work as a top-order batter is limited. In the recent cycle of matches, his contributions at No. 3 have been modest, failing to provide the kind of long, stabilizing innings the position demands .
The key question Ganguly raises is not about Sundar’s talent, but about his suitability for a role that requires a singular focus on batting excellence in the most challenging scenarios.
Ganguly’s Philosophy on Test Specialists
This isn’t the first time Ganguly has championed the cause of specialists. His own captaincy era was defined by building a team of clear, defined roles. His criticism of the current management, led by Gautam Gambhir, seems to stem from a belief that the lines between all-rounders and specialist batters have become too blurred . He argues that between 2016 and 2021, India’s golden era in Test cricket, the core batting unit consisted of clear specialists like Pujara, Rahane, and Vijay, which provided a stable foundation . His latest comments suggest he feels this foundational principle is being compromised.
Who are India’s Viable No. 3 Options?
If not Sundar, then who? The list of ready-made, in-form candidates is a topic of intense discussion among fans and experts alike. Since Cheteshwar Pujara’s departure from the side, India has already tried multiple batters at No. 3, including Sundar and the promising young Sai Sudharsan . Other names that often surface in this conversation include:
- Shubman Gill: A natural top-order talent who could be moved up from No. 4.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: An aggressive opener who has the technique to adapt to No. 3.
- Sarfaraz Khan: A domestic giant who has shown exceptional skill against spin, but whose Test credentials on pace are still unproven.
Finding the right fit is a complex puzzle for the Indian selectors, made harder by the need for a player who can excel both at home and, more importantly, on the road.
Conclusion: The Specialist Debate
Sourav Ganguly’s critique of Washington Sundar’s No. 3 role is more than just a tactical disagreement; it’s a fundamental question about India’s Test cricket philosophy. It forces a conversation on whether the modern game, with its emphasis on versatile all-rounders, should ever come at the cost of specialist excellence in the most critical batting positions. While Sundar is a valuable asset, Ganguly’s point about needing a true batting specialist to anchor the innings in hostile conditions like South Africa or England is a compelling one that the Indian team management must seriously consider. For more on India’s strategic planning, see our analysis on [INTERNAL_LINK:india_test_team_management].
Sources
[1] Times of India. “No. 3 or not to be? Ganguly says Sundar not suited – ‘Must be specialists'”. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/…
[2] ESPNcricinfo. “Sourav Ganguly Doubts Gautam Gambhir’s Washington Sundar Gamble”.
[7] Cricbuzz. “Sourav Ganguly Says Washington Sundar Not Suited for No. 3 Role in Test Cricket”.
[8] Hindustan Times. “IND vs SA: ‘Top 5 batters must be specialists…’- Sourav Ganguly”.
[12] Cricket.com. “List of Indian batters to bat at number 3 since Cheteshwar Pujara’s last Test”.
[15] NDTV Sports. “‘Not convinced Washi is India’s No. 3’: Ganguly urges India to rethink their batting order”.
[16] Quora. “Who was the best number 3 batsman in the Indian cricket history?”.
[18] The Cricket Monthly. “It’s Time India Picked Test Specialists for Test Cricket”.
[26] ESPNcricinfo. “Washington Sundar Profile”.
[27] CricTracker. “Washington Sundar Recent Form”.