India’s versatile all-rounder Washington Sundar has once again shown why he is one of the most adaptable players in the Test setup, shrugging off all chatter about his constantly shifting batting roles. At just 25, Sundar has already experienced more transitions in the batting order than many seniors do in an entire series—but his calm, team-first attitude remains unwavering. Whether he walks in at No. 3, No. 7, or No. 8, Sundar insists he is ready for whatever the team needs.
This series has highlighted that versatility more than ever. In the first Test against South Africa, Sundar was sent in at No. 3, where he showcased exceptional temperament on a difficult Kolkata surface. His 82-ball stay in the first innings and 92-ball effort in the second proved he has the grit and technique to handle top-order responsibility.
Yet just a match later, in Guwahati, he found himself pushed back down to No. 8—this time because of injuries and new combinations rather than form. The changes were triggered by Shubman Gill’s neck injury, forcing India to rethink their batting structure. Sai Sudharsan filled the top-order void, while Nitish Kumar Reddy replaced Axar Patel lower down.
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Amid this shuffling, Sundar remained one of the few steady performers. His 48 off 92 balls, along with a fighting 72-run partnership with Kuldeep Yadav, gave India a much-needed moment of resistance even as the match tilted away.
Under Gautam Gambhir’s coaching era, Sundar has batted at No. 5, No. 8, No. 9, No. 7, No. 3 twice, and No. 8 again. For many players, such instability could be unsettling, but Sundar brushed off the suggestion instantly. He reiterated that his focus is singular—doing whatever the team requires, whenever the moment demands it.
Washington Sundar’s batting position in the last eight Test innings has been moving like a musical chair! 🇮🇳👀🤯
Only once in the last eight Test innings has he batted in the same position in consecutive innings. 🏏#INDvSA #Tests #Sportskeeda pic.twitter.com/YMAY5mvONC
— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) November 24, 2025
“I want to be the cricketer who steps up whenever the team needs,” he said, echoing a maturity far beyond his age.He also offered a balanced take on Rishabh Pant’s dismissal, which sparked debate after India’s stand-in captain fell attempting a short-ball counterattack. Sundar defended Pant’s intent: “On another day, those balls would have gone into the stands,” he said, urging trust in players’ skillsets rather than hindsight criticism.
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Even talk of the pitch’s unpredictable bounce didn’t rattle him. Sundar dismissed suggestions of dangerous unevenness, attributing the disconcerting bounce to Marco Jansen’s height and natural release. “If you spend time, runs are there for the taking,” he said, calling it a true wicket rather than a minefield.
Through it all, Sundar remained the epitome of composure—calm, optimistic, and team-driven. As India stare at a possible series defeat, his final words summed up his approach: “Got to stay positive in life. You never know what will happen.”
