Archive · 14 Nov 2025
India Promotes Washington Sundar to No. 3 in Surprise Test Move
In a cricket game between India and South Africa, something unusual happened.
Usually, when a player gets out early, the next best batter comes in.
But in this game, after a player named Yashasvi Jaiswal got out, instead of the captain Shubman Gill coming to bat at the important No.
3 spot, another player named Washington Sundar came out.
This surprised everyone!
Some people think India might be looking for a new player to bat at No.
3 for a long time.
Sundar has played well before in longer cricket games, showing he can be patient.
Batting at No.
3 is a very special job, usually done by players who are very good at blocking the ball and staying at the 'wicket' for a long time.
India also wanted to play two players who are 'wicketkeepers', Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel.
By letting Sundar bat higher up, they made room for both keepers in the team.
Washington Sundar was surprisingly promoted to bat at No. 3 in the first Test between India and South Africa.
This unexpected move occurred after the early dismissal of opener Yashasvi Jaiswal.
The decision potentially signals India's search for a new long-term No. 3 batsman.
Sundar's promotion allowed India to field both wicketkeepers, Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel, in the playing XI.
The No. 3 position is traditionally occupied by specialist batsmen known for solid technique and long innings.
- Who
- Indian Cricket Team and Washington Sundar
- What
- Washington Sundar was surprisingly sent in to bat at No. 3 in the first Test against South Africa, raising questions about India's strategy and the future of the No. 3 batting position.
- When
- November 14, Day 1 of the first Test.
- Where
- South Africa (during the first Test match).
- Why
- To accommodate both wicketkeepers Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel in the playing XI, providing flexibility in the batting order, and potentially testing Sundar's temperament and all-round ability at the No. 3 position.
Strategic Flexibility
Questioning No. 3 Tradition
Reason for Sundar's Promotion
Strategic Flexibility
Promoting Sundar allowed India to include both wicketkeepers, Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel, in the playing XI by providing flexibility in the batting order.
Questioning No. 3 Tradition
Sending Sundar, an all-rounder, to bat at the crucial No. 3 position, traditionally held by specialist batsmen known for technique and long innings, raises questions about India's long-term plans for the spot.
Suitability for No. 3
Strategic Flexibility
Sundar has previously shown batting talent, skill, and patience in Test cricket, proving his potential in the longest format.
Questioning No. 3 Tradition
The No. 3 position demands a different kind of challenge compared to Sundar's usual role, requiring a solid technique and the ability for long stays at the crease, a hallmark of former No. 3s like Dravid and Pujara.
- Match
- First Test between India and South Africa
- Date
- November 14 (Day 1)
- Unexpected Batter at No. 3
- Washington Sundar
- Player Promoted
- Washington Sundar
- Player Expected at No. 3
- Shubman Gill
- Player Dismissed Early
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- India's Wicketkeeper Selection
- Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel included in the playing XI
Sources
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'The kind of form he is in, Jurel deserves a spot in playing XI'
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'When I'm batting...' Gill opens up on managing dual responsibility
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‘Who’s going to bat at No.3?’: Anil Kumble slams India playing XI in Kolkata as team fields six left-handers for first time in history
Washington Sundar promoted to no.3, Sai Sudharsan dropped in IND vs SA 1st Test; Sunil Gavaskar explains India's plans
IND vs SA: Unlucky Shubman Gill makes bold statement, says 'I'm going to win toss in WTC final'
Gill Can't Win A Toss But ...
EXPLAINED: Why Sai Sudharsan, Nitish Reddy Have Been Dropped From India Playing XI For 1st Test Vs SA
‘Chaos at its best’: Indian cricket fans react to Washington Sundar playing at 3
Why Did India Drop Sai Sudharsan?
Anil Kumble hits out at India’s playing XI as team picks six left-handers for first time in history: ‘Who’s going to bat at No.3?’
1st Test: Bowlers continue to make merry as India reduce SA to 154/8 at Tea
South Africa collapse to 154/8 at tea
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IND vs SA 1st Test: 'You prepare for the worst, you play for the best': Hashim Amla's advice for South African batters facing spin
