Former India captain and ex-head coach Ravi Shastri did not hold back while dissecting India’s first-innings batting performance on Day 2 of the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati. India, who experimented heavily with their batting order across the series, produced another shaky performance and were bowled out for 201, falling 288 runs short of South Africa’s imposing first-innings total of 489.
India’s inconsistent approach at the No. 3 position has been a talking point throughout the series. After trying Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair earlier, the team pushed Washington Sundar to No. 3 in the first Test. But in a complete reversal of strategy, Sudharsan reclaimed the spot in the second Test, which pushed Sundar down to No. 8 — a move that left Shastri baffled.
Speaking on Star Sports commentary, Shastri criticised the tactical confusion seen in India’s selections.
“No, absolutely not. It makes no sense. I don’t understand the thought process there,” Shastri said bluntly.
He added, “When they look back at this series, some of the selections… still trying to figure out the thought process. For example, you play four spinners in Kolkata and bowl one of them for just one over. Ideally, you should have gone in with a specialist batter.”
Continuing his criticism of the team’s decisions, he questioned why Sundar — who was trusted at No. 3 earlier — was suddenly pushed to the lower order.
“Making Washington Sundar bat at 3 in the last Test, but you could have easily made him bat at No. 4 here, now that you have a No. 3. He is no No. 8. He’s way better than a No. 8,” Shastri stressed.
Despite being sent lower down, Washington Sundar played one of India’s most valuable knocks of the innings. With India reeling at 122 for 7, Sundar and spinner Kuldeep Yadav steadied the innings with a gritty 72-run stand for the eighth wicket. Their partnership ensured India crossed 200 and avoided further embarrassment.
Sundar scored a fighting 48 off 92 balls, while Kuldeep hung in for 19 off 134 deliveries, showcasing immense determination on a challenging surface at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium.
However, the resistance was not enough to dent South Africa’s dominance.
Marco Jansen led the visitors’ attack with a sensational spell of 6 for 48, while Simon Harmer contributed with 3 for 64.
India now face a massive first-innings deficit, and Shastri’s sharp critique underscores growing scrutiny over the team’s selection decisions and unsettled batting order.