As the second IND vs SA Test in Guwahati stands, India are staring at another home series defeat. Marco Jansen dominated the day, first scoring 93 runs and then dismantling India’s batting with a six-wicket haul to bowl them out for just 201. His all-round brilliance gave South Africa a commanding lead of 288, which they extended to 314 by stumps on day three.
Washington Sundar defends Rishabh Pant
Realistically, only a miracle can save India from defeat. With the way South Africa are batting, India will almost certainly face a target close to 500, an impossible chase on this surface. Yet all-rounder Washington Sundar remained upbeat at the press conference. Asked about India’s chances, he said, “You stay positive in life, never know what can happen.”
India’s first-innings batting was poor across the board, particularly skipper Rishabh Pant, who perished playing an attacking shot against Jansen. Sundar, however, backed his captain, saying, “Another day that could have gone to the stands.”
One major question emerging from India’s struggles concerns Sundar’s constantly shifting batting position. He batted at No. 3 in the Kolkata Test but dropped to No. 8 in Guwahati. Despite the uncertainty, Sundar remained unfazed, focusing on contributing wherever needed.
“I really want to be the cricketer who can fit into different roles,” he said. While Sundar may embrace his role as a batting floater, the larger concern remains whether the team is benefiting from this inconsistent strategy.
