Shamik Chakrabarty in Guwahati
Some innovative thinking saw India go with four spinners on a raging Eden Gardens turner in the first Test of the ongoing series against South Africa. Axar Patel was the additional spin-bowling all-rounder and his inclusion prompted the omission of Sai Sudharsan from the playing XI.
Washington Sundar was asked to bat at No. 3 and he played 82 balls in the first innings followed by another 92 in the second. It required skill and top-class temperament to bat for 122 minutes in the second dig on that lottery deck. The team management decided to demote him to No. 8 in the second Test, with Sai replacing the injured Shubman Gill and Nitish Kumar Reddy coming in for Axar.
In his last seven Test innings under Gautam Gambhir as head coach, Washington has batted at No. 5, No. 8, No. 9, No. 7, No. 3, No. 3 and No. 8. On Monday, here in Guwahati, he was Indian batting’s only saving grace, along with Yashasvi Jaiswal, for his 48 off 92 balls and a 72-run eighth wicket partnership with Kuldeep Yadav. It was never going to be enough, but Washington at least showed some stomach for a fight. The Tamil Nadu player is game, but instability can lead to insecurity. It’s not fair on any player.
At the post-day press conference, Washington was asked about his ever-changing batting positions. He offered a deadpan defence. “Honestly, I really want to be the cricketer who steps up whenever the team requires and wherever the team wants me to bat and bowl,” said Washington. “I have got to be ready and get things done for the team. That is the kind of mindset I am in. No matter what situation I am in, it is very exciting for me that way. I also get to play different roles. I don’t think many get that opportunity. So, it is only exciting.”
He elaborated: “I would say I am the happiest to bat wherever the team wants me to bat. That way, it is a lot more exciting. This is a team game.”
Did the pitch change today? “Not many days will you get to bat on such tracks, especially in India,” Washington observed. “Honestly, it is a true wicket. If you spend time there, runs are (there) for the taking. You can’t really contain runs for a very long period of time. I think it was just a good wicket.”
Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel have been copping flak for their shot selections. Washington defended his teammates. “On another day, both the deliveries would have gone into the stands and all of us would have appreciated and clapped,” he tried to put things in perspective. “That’s how it is. Sometimes you just got to back their plans and their skill sets as well, given the fact that they have shown a lot of proof and evidence in the past as well. I think it is just about them backing their skill sets. Obviously, execution didn’t go the way we wanted.”
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