Ravichandran Ashwin has sparked a new debate by questioning India’s decision to drop Sai Sudarshan for the first Test against South Africa at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. India decided to play Washington Sundar at No. 3 on the turning pitch of Eden Gardens, hoping his all-round skills will help. But the plan failed as India suffered a humiliating 30-run defeat on 16 November.
Sai Sudarshan had performed well at number 3 against England and West Indies. But in the first Test against South Africa, Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill surprised everyone by dropping him and going with four spinners at Eden Gardens.
Ravichandran Ashwin says Sai Sudarshan’s mistake could harm India’s future
Ravichandran Ashwin expressed concern over how a young player like Sudarshan would be feeling after being dropped suddenly, especially after he had started well. The former Indian all-rounder highlighted the team’s confusing move on Sundar, who scored 29 and 31 but barely bowled.
Also Read: KKR star orders Gautam Gambhir to learn from Virat Kohli to save India’s Test team
Ravichandran Ashwin said in a video posted on his YouTube channel, “I’m really worried about Sai Sudarshan; he’s a good player. What will he be thinking after getting out? I always feel four spinners in a team are too many. Washington Sundar didn’t even bowl in the second innings. You play four spinners, and then you don’t give a single over to even one of them. All this is going to affect the confidence of the players.”
The off-spinner was sent for only one over in the first innings and none in the second innings, even though the pitch was designed for spin. India’s spin-heavy attack also did not perform as per expectations. While Jadeja took four wickets in the second innings, South Africa’s Simon Harmer overshadowed everyone by taking seven wickets in the match.
Ravichandran Ashwin took a sharp dig at Shubman Gill
Ravichandran Ashwin also warned that an unclear plan like the Kolkata Test could hurt India in this ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle. Before this test, the Indian cricket team was in a strong position in the race for the final, but now they are under pressure to turn the tables in Guwahati.
The former Indian all-rounder further added, “I know in T20Is you go with all-rounders, but in Tests the specialists will work. In many ways, it is extremely important to create a lot of stability without insecurities and give roles to people.”
These are important WTC points. There were strong chances of India reaching the final because at the time of the toss, Gill had also said that they would win the final outright. But we have to get there first and this match is a big blow for that.”
Also read: “It was horrible”: Kris Srikkanth attacks Gautam Gambhir over ‘no monsters’ comment on Kolkata pitch
Ravichandran Ashwin questions India’s No. 3 bet in Kolkata Test
The former Indian off-spinner has also stressed that the No. 3 position requires stability. Ashwin said that if the team supports Sundar for that role, he will have to stick with him for a few years.
Ashwin also said that if they believe Sudarshan is the future, then dropping him suddenly will damage their confidence. He stressed that Sai Sudarshan has a good future and all he needs is support.
He signed off by saying, “He (Sundar) has potential. But whether it is the right decision, only time can answer. The decision for the No. 3 batsman cannot be a fleeting one depending on the circumstances.”
