Ace Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has raised concerns over team selection ahead of the second Test against South Africa, specifically about the omission of young batter Sai Sudharsan. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin suggested that the constant chopping and changing—especially at the crucial No. 3 spot—could be affecting player confidence.

Sai Sudharsan, who had shown promise with an impressive 87 in Delhi against the West Indies, was again dropped for the first Test in Kolkata, even after previous exclusion following his debut innings at Headingley last year. India finds itself in a transitional phase, searching for a dependable No. 3 like the ones the team enjoyed in the past with Cheteshwar Pujara and Rahul Dravid.

However, neither Karun Nair nor Sai Sudharsan has been given consistent opportunities to settle into the role. “I am really worried for Sai Sudharsan—what would he be thinking after being dropped again?” Ashwin lamented, calling the situation deeply unsettling for the young player.

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Ashwin also questioned India’s strategy of stacking up on all-rounders, especially in Tests. In the Kolkata Test—a match India lost by 30 runs—they fielded four spin-bowling options, including Washington Sundar, who didn’t bowl in the second innings.

“You play four spinners, then you don’t give a single over to one of them—these things play into the confidence of players,” Ravichandran Ashwin said. He acknowledged the utility of all-rounders in T20 cricket but emphasized the importance of specialists in red-ball cricket. “Stability without insecurity is extremely crucial. Players need clarity about their roles,” he added, urging the management to back a consistent No. 3 bat rather than shifting based on conditions.

While Ravichandra Ashwin expressed faith in Sundar’s talent, he believes it’s key to give him and others time to evolve—without the constant pressure of uncertain selection.

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“We can dissect decisions after a loss, but right now, I think Sai Sudharsan has a bright future—and deserves a clear role,” he said.

India trails 0-1 in the two-match series, with the second Test set to begin in Guwahati on Saturday—a fixture that adds weight to these selection debates as India looks to avoid a rare home series defeat.