“I'm not convinced” - Sourav Ganguly gives his verdict on Washington Sundar batting at No.3

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has opened up on India’s defeat to South Africa in the first Test by 30 runs at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Notably, this was India’s fourth consecutive Test defeat to SENA nations at home after earlier losing to New Zealand by 0-3 last year.

Speaking exclusively to India Today, Ganguly asserted that he is not convinced of Washington Sundar as the No.3 batter in Test cricket, adding that the Indian team should look for specialist batters in their top five.

"It's been a tremendous time for Washington Sundar. I think he's a good cricketer, he bowls well, he bats well, but I'm not too sure whether No. 3 is a spot for him in Test cricket in the long run, across all conditions," Ganguly said in an interview with India Today.

"Your top five batters, openers, No. 3, No. 4 and No. 5 must be specialists who can perform in those roles everywhere, and I'm not convinced Washi is India's No. 3 in England, Australia, South Africa or New Zealand. That's something Gautam needs to look at," he added.

Interestingly, India went into the Kolkata Test with a total of four spinners in Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja. However, the ploy didn’t work out well for the hosts. Speaking on the same, Ganguly reckoned that India doesn’t need four spinners on such a track.

"He doesn't need four spinners in India, especially when Washi bowled only a single over in the entire Test. When the pitch spins and the main spinners can deliver 20-30 overs, you don't need four of them. So he needs to consider all of this," he concluded.

India will lock horns with South Africa in the second and final Test of the two-match series, in Guwahati, starting on Saturday, November 22.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at BetBarter and download the BetBarter app to start betting today!