Former India captain and former head coach Ravi Shastri pulled no punches as he criticised India’s first-innings batting approach during the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati. India, who have experimented with multiple players at the number 3 slot in recent times, raised eyebrows again when Washington Sundar was promoted to that position in the opening Test. For the second match, Sai Sudharsan returned to the XI and reclaimed the spot, pushing Sundar all the way down to number 8. The reshuffle did little to help India’s cause. Their batting faltered once more, and the side folded for 201 in response to South Africa’s commanding 489.
Speaking on commentary for the Star network, Shastri strongly questioned the team’s planning and clarity. “Absolutely not. It makes no sense. I can’t figure out the reasoning. When they review this series, some of these selections will leave them puzzled. In Kolkata you picked four spinners and one of them bowled only a single over, when you could’ve easily picked a specialist batter. And here, after making Washington bat at three in the last Test, you could’ve slotted him at four today since you already had your number three. He’s not a number eight. He’s much better than that,” the former all-rounder remarked. Despite the chaos at the top, Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav did put up a fight, adding 72 valuable runs for the eighth wicket after India had slumped to 122 for 7 at the Barsapara Stadium. Their resistance helped India scrape past 200, but the deficit still ballooned to a massive 288. Sundar fell for a gritty 48 off 92 deliveries, while Kuldeep hung in for 19 off 134 balls. For South Africa, Marco Jansen dominated with the ball, returning outstanding figures of 6 for 48. Simon Harmer supported him well with a three-wicket haul for 64.
