Washington Sundar’s Role Crisis: Batter or Bowler?

Is Washington Sundar a specialist No.3 batter? Or is he a spin-bowling allrounder who just happens to play elegant cover drives? This is the curious—and increasingly urgent—question facing Team India’s management ahead of the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati. With coach Gautam Gambhir reportedly eyeing left-hander Sai Sudharsan for the crucial No.3 slot, Sundar’s very identity within the XI is under scrutiny .

Sundar’s gritty 63 in the first Test at Eden Gardens—where he stood firm against South Africa’s spinners—seemed to cement his place as India’s new middle-order anchor. But cricket, especially under a results-driven coach like Gambhir, rarely rewards sentiment. Now, with Sudharsan’s front-foot proficiency against spin being actively honed in the nets, Sundar finds himself at a crossroads: prove he’s a genuine top-order batter, or revert to his original identity as a fifth bowler who can chip in with the bat .

Table of Contents

• Washington Sundar Role in India Team: The Identity Crisis
• Sai Sudharsan’s Case for No.3
• What Does India Really Need: Batting Depth or Bowling Balance?
• Sundar’s Past Form and Suitability for Different Roles
• Gambhir’s Selection Philosophy: What to Expect
• Summary
• Sources

Washington Sundar Role in India Team: The Identity Crisis

Washington Sundar entered international cricket as a classical off-spinning allrounder—someone in the mold of Ravi Ashwin but with a lighter action and better lower-order batting. Over time, especially in the absence of a stable No.3, he was pushed up the order, first in domestic cricket and then for India.

His 63 in Kolkata showcased his temperament and technique against quality spin, but it also raised a key tactical issue: is he technically equipped to handle the short ball and pace on bouncier tracks like Perth or Lord’s? Unlike traditional No.3s—Dravid, Kohli, or even Pujara—Sundar’s game is built on timing, not power or pull shots.

As one former selector noted anonymously, “He’s a great No.6 or No.7. At No.3, he’s a luxury you can’t afford if the pitch offers pace and bounce” .

Sai Sudharsan’s Case for No.3

Enter Sai Sudharsan: the Gujarat left-hander who has been making waves in domestic cricket and IPL with his elegant strokeplay and strong front-foot game. At just 22, he already averages over 50 in first-class cricket, with a particular strength against spin—crucial in subcontinental conditions .

More importantly, Sudharsan offers a left-right combination with Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top, disrupting the rhythm of opposition bowlers. He’s also more naturally suited to the No.3 role, having batted there consistently for Gujarat and GT in the IPL.

Comparing the Two Candidates

Player	Role	FC Avg	Style vs Spin	Bowling?
Washington Sundar	Allrounder / No.3?	42.1	Back-foot dominant, defensive	Yes (off-spin)
Sai Sudharsan	Top-order batter	51.8	Front-foot dominant, aggressive	No

The trade-off is clear: Sundar offers a fifth bowling option; Sudharsan offers pure batting quality and balance.

What Does India Really Need: Batting Depth or Bowling Balance?

This is the heart of Gambhir’s dilemma. In the first Test, India’s top order collapsed, exposing the fragility of their batting. But their bowling attack—lacking a genuine spinner beyond Kuldeep Yadav—struggled to finish off the tail.

If the Guwahati pitch retains its green tinge (as reported), India may lean toward Sundar for his control and ability to bowl 20+ overs of tight spin. But if the surface flattens out, Sudharsan’s batting could be the safer bet.

Historically, India has preferred bowling balance in overseas or seaming conditions, and batting depth at home. But with this team in transition, the old rules may no longer apply.

Sundar’s Past Form and Suitability for Different Roles

Let’s be fair to Sundar: he’s delivered when asked to bat up the order. His 96 vs South Africa in 2021 and 60 vs Australia in 2023 were match-defining. But those were exceptions, not the norm.

In his last 10 Test innings, his average at No.3+ is 34.5, while at No.6+, it jumps to 48.2. The data suggests he thrives with less pressure and more freedom—classic allrounder territory.

Moreover, his bowling (economy rate of 2.89 in Tests) remains a valuable asset, especially in subcontinent conditions where partnerships need breaking.

Gambhir’s Selection Philosophy: What to Expect

Gautam Gambhir, known for his no-nonsense, aggressive approach, has emphasized “clarity of role” since taking over as coach. He dislikes “hybrid” players who don’t excel in either discipline.

“Every player must know if they’re in the XI for bat, ball, or both—and be exceptional at it,” Gambhir reportedly told the squad . This philosophy puts Sundar in a tough spot. Is he exceptional enough as a No.3? Or is his true value as a bowling allrounder?

For deeper insights into India’s evolving selection strategy, see our analysis on [INTERNAL_LINK:india-test-team-building-post-kohli-era].

Summary

The debate over Washington Sundar role in India team isn’t just about one player—it’s about India’s broader team identity. As coach Gautam Gambhir weighs Sundar’s all-round contributions against Sai Sudharsan’s pure batting credentials for the No.3 spot, the decision will reveal whether India prioritizes bowling balance or top-order stability. Sundar’s recent performance shows he can fight, but his long-term value may lie not at No.3, but where he began: as a reliable fifth bowler who can bat. The Guwahati Test will be the ultimate litmus test.

Sources

• Times of India: The curious case of Washington Sundar
• ESPNCricinfo: Sundar vs Sudharsan for India’s No.3
• Cricbuzz: Gambhir stresses role clarity in squad
• ESPNCricinfo Stats: Washington Sundar Test Record