Former Team India cricketer Aakash Chopra has raised concerns over the constant changes being made in the third batting position for the Indian cricket team. He mentioned that head coach Gautam Gambhir keeps making changes and testing new players at this spot. According to Chopra, this is causing hindrances in the way the team is being built.
Chopra pointed out the talented Washington Sundar as a long term prospect. He identified, “Washington Sundar can bat in the top order and is also a skilled bowler. If the plan is to keep him at number three, why experiment with Sai Sudarshan and Karun Nair?
He also made it a point to stress that when it comes to the selection of players, both batting skills and patience have to be considered. He said the ability to settle in at the crease is essential. “When a player is scoring runs, dropping him sends out a confusing message. Experimenting is fine, but it should not create chaos,” he suggested.
In the first Test against South Africa in Kolkata, Washington Sundar had unexpectedly batted at number three. While he scored 29 runs in the first innings and 31 in the second, he bowled only one over in the match and did not bowl in the second innings.
Criticism of team strategy included the inclusion of four spinners, besides underutilizing the bowling abilities of Washington Sundar. Analysts and fans alike questioned the decision to include six left-handed players in this team. The second Test starts tomorrow in Guwahati.
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