In a scathing critique that reverberated through the cricketing world, former India captain and ex-head coach Ravi Shastri minced no words in expressing his bewilderment at India’s batting order choices during their first innings of the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati. As a seasoned voice with an unparalleled understanding of the game’s intricacies, Shastri’s ‘brutal criticism’ shines a spotlight on what he perceives as a profound lack of strategic clarity within the Indian camp, particularly regarding the utilization of all-rounder Washington Sundar.

Shastri’s Stark Assessment: ‘It Makes No Sense’

The crux of Shastri’s frustration, articulated during his commentary stint, was encapsulated in his definitive statement: ‘It makes no sense. I don’t understand the thought process there.’ This isn’t merely a casual observation; it’s a profound questioning of the decision-making at the highest level of Indian cricket. The context was India’s disastrous first-innings collapse, where they were bowled out for a mere 201 runs in response to South Africa’s formidable 489. Such a significant deficit of 288 runs inevitably puts immense pressure on the team’s subsequent performance and raises questions about the tactical blueprint.

Shastri’s comments extend beyond a single match, hinting at a pattern of perplexing selections. He stated, ‘when they look back at this series, some of the selections… still trying to figure out the thought process there.’ He drew a parallel to a prior instance where India played four spinners in Kolkata, only to bowl one of them for a solitary over, suggesting that a specialist batter would have been a more logical inclusion. This broader perspective implies that the issues might be systemic rather than isolated incidents, pointing to an overarching strategic ambiguity.

The Washington Sundar Conundrum: From No. 3 to No. 8

The most striking example of India’s muddled strategy, according to Shastri, was the handling of Washington Sundar. In the first Test against the Proteas, Sundar was surprisingly deployed at the pivotal number 3 position. However, with the inclusion of Sai Sudharsan in the Playing XI for the second Test at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, Sundar found himself demoted drastically to number 8. Shastri found this move particularly egregious, stating unequivocally: ‘He (Sundar) is no No. 8. He’s way better than a number 8.’

This dramatic shift in batting position for a player of Sundar’s capabilities highlights a potential disconnect in how the team management perceives and utilizes its resources. Sundar, while primarily an off-spinner, has consistently demonstrated his competence with the bat, possessing a solid technique and the ability to build an innings. To shift him from a specialist top-order slot (No. 3) to the tail-end (No. 8) within the space of a single series suggests either an experimental approach that backfired or a lack of clear role definition for players.

Shastri’s proposed solution was pragmatic: ‘you could have easily made him bat at No. 4 here, now that you have a No. 3.’ Batting at number 4 would have placed Sundar higher up the order, allowing him to bat with specialist batsmen, contribute more substantially, and potentially stabilize the innings. Instead, he was pushed down to a position traditionally occupied by frontline bowlers, a decision that essentially undervalues his batting prowess and wastes a potential asset in the middle order.

Impact of Mismatched Roles and Batting Order Inconsistency

The inconsistent deployment of players like Washington Sundar can have multi-faceted negative impacts. Firstly, it can severely affect player morale and confidence. A batter asked to perform at No. 3 one match and No. 8 the next might struggle to adapt to the wildly different demands and pressures of those roles. This inconsistency can breed uncertainty, hindering a player’s ability to settle into a rhythm and execute effectively.

Secondly, from a team balance perspective, placing a capable batter at No. 8 often indicates a struggling top and middle order. While Sundar did manage to put together a crucial 72-run stand for the eighth wicket with Kuldeep Yadav, helping India cross the 200-run mark, this partnership itself ironically underscored the top-order’s failure. Sundar’s innings of 48 off 92 balls, combined with Kuldeep’s defiant 19 off 134 balls, showcased resilience but couldn’t erase the gaping first-innings deficit left by the earlier collapse.

Test cricket demands unwavering strategic clarity and consistent player roles. While adaptability is a virtue, frequent, inexplicable changes to the batting order, especially for players with proven batting credentials, can signal a deeper malaise. It can indicate a lack of faith in the existing top-order batsmen or an inability to accurately assess the opposition’s strengths and weaknesses.

The Broader Implications for Indian Test Cricket

India’s struggles in the second Test, where they were comfortably outplayed by South Africa in the first innings, highlight the importance of meticulous planning and execution. Marco Jansen’s impressive figures of 6 for 48, ably supported by Simon Harmer’s 3 for 64, dismantled the Indian lineup, further exposing any tactical deficiencies.

Shastri’s ‘brutal criticism’ serves as a timely reminder that while India boasts an abundance of talent, success in Test cricket, particularly in challenging away conditions, hinges on cohesive team strategy, optimal player utilization, and a clear ‘thought process’ behind selections. The former coach’s remarks aren’t just about Washington Sundar; they’re a call for introspection and accountability within the team management regarding their overall approach to Test cricket.

Moving forward, the Indian team will need to address these concerns to ensure that their immense potential translates into consistent performances. Defining clear roles for all-rounders, trusting the batting order, and ensuring that selections align with a coherent game plan will be paramount. Otherwise, the shadow of ‘makes no sense’ criticisms might continue to loom over their aspirations.

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