Sourav Ganguly Questions Washington Sundar’s Suitability for No. 3: A Debate India Must Address

 Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has sparked a new debate in Indian cricket by questioning Washington Sundar’s suitability for the crucial No. 3 batting position in Test matches. His comments have come at a time when India is experimenting with its lineup, particularly in overseas conditions, making the discussion even more relevant for the team’s long-term strategy.

Why the No. 3 Spot Matters So Much in Test Cricket

In Test cricket, batting at No. 3 is widely considered one of the toughest roles. The batter must be ready to walk in early if an opener gets out cheaply, and also capable of building long, stabilizing partnerships. This position requires solid technique, temperament, patience and the ability to handle both the new ball and the older ball with equal skill.

Ganguly pointed out that the No. 3 spot has traditionally belonged to specialist batters, naming players like Rahul Dravid, Cheteshwar Pujara and Ricky Ponting as examples. According to him, the role is too important to be filled by someone whose primary skill isn’t batting.

Ganguly’s Concerns About the Team Strategy

Washington Sundar, despite being a talented all-rounder, is not a traditional top-order specialist. Ganguly believes that placing him at No. 3, especially in challenging overseas conditions, could put India at a disadvantage.

The former captain highlighted that the demands of batting at No. 3 differ significantly from roles lower down the order. In places like South Africa, Australia and England—where the ball moves more, bounces more, and bowlers attack relentlessly—the technical margin for error is small. Ganguly stressed that India needs a stable, specialist batter in that slot if they want consistent results in away tours.

Balancing the Playing XI: The Root of the Debate

The selection of Washington Sundar at No. 3 arose due to India’s attempt to balance the playing XI with multiple spin-bowling options. In the recent Test, India fielded a spin-heavy attack, which pushed Sundar up the batting order.

Ganguly, however, disagreed with this approach. He emphasized that while flexibility is important, Test matches require a strong core batting lineup. He argued that imbalance in the playing XI can affect both performance and confidence, particularly during difficult overseas tours where opposition bowling attacks are strong and experienced.

Sundar’s Ability Is Not in Question

Despite the criticism, Ganguly made it clear that Washington Sundar is a valuable cricketer. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball adds depth to the squad, and he has already proven himself in tough situations—most notably during India’s famous 2021 Gabba Test win.

However, Ganguly believes that Sundar’s strengths lie in being a lower-middle-order all-rounder, not in taking on the responsibilities of a top-order anchor.

India’s Long-Term Selection Strategy

The debate comes at a crucial time as India prepares for upcoming major tours and the World Test Championship cycle. Stability in the batting order is essential for long-term success, and the No. 3 position remains a key puzzle the team must solve.

India has several promising young top-order batters in the domestic circuit, along with experienced names waiting for opportunities. Selecting the right player for No. 3 could shape India’s overseas fortunes for years to come.

Final Thoughts

Sourav Ganguly’s remarks highlight a larger concern: Is India prioritizing team balance at the cost of a solid top order? His argument reinforces the idea that Test cricket demands specialists, especially at the top of the lineup.

While Washington Sundar remains a gifted and promising all-rounder, the question of whether he should bat at No. 3 continues to be a major talking point—one that the Indian team management will need to address with clarity and long-term vision.

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