Sai Sudharsan’s India Test career over early? Ravichandran Ashwin left “really worried”

Ravichandran Ashwin has sparked a fresh debate by questioning India’s decision to drop Sai Sudharsan for the first Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. India decided to play Washington Sundar at No. 3 on a rotating pitch at Eden Gardens, hoping his all-round skills would help. But the plan fell apart when India suffered an embarrassing 30-run defeat on November 16.

Sai Sudharsan had done a decent job at third against England and West Indies. But in the first Test against South Africa, Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill surprised everyone by leaving him out and going to Eden Gardens with four spinners.

Ravichandran Ashwin says Sai Sudharsan’s omission could

Ravichandran Ashwin expressed concern about how a young player like Sudharsan would feel after being suddenly left out, especially if he had started well. The former Indian all-rounder further shed light on the team’s confusing move on Sundar, who scored 29 and 31 but barely bowled.

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Ravichandran Ashwin said in a video on his YouTube channel, “I am really worried about Sai Sudharsan; he is a good player. What would he think after being dropped? I always feel that four spinners are too many to have in a team. Washington Sundar did not even bowl in the second innings. You play with four spinners, and then you don’t give any more to any of them. These are all going to erode the confidence of the players.”

The off-spinner was sent down for just one over in the first innings and none in the second, even though the delivery was made for spin. India’s spin-heavy attack also failed to deliver the expected results. While Jadeja took four wickets in the second innings, South Africa’s Simon Harmer overshadowed everyone with a seven-wicket haul.

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Ravichandran Ashwin also warned that unclear scheduling like the Kolkata Test could hurt India in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle. Before this Test, the Indian cricket team was strong in the race to the final but now they are under pressure to turn the table in Guwahati.

The former Indian all-rounder added: “I know in a T20I you tend to go with all-rounders, but specialists will work in Tests. In many ways, creating a lot of stability without uncertainty, and giving people roles is extremely crucial.

These are crucial WTC points. India looked set to be in the final as even Gill said at the toss that he would win one outright in the final. But we have to get there first and this match is a huge blow to that.”

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The former Indian off-spinner has further emphasized that the number 3 position needs stability. Ashwin said if the team backs Sundar for that role, they should stick with him for a few years.

Ashwin also noted that if they believe Sudharsan is the future, dropping him suddenly will only hurt his confidence. He emphasized that Sai Sudharsan has a good future and all he needs is support.

He signed off by saying, “He (Sundar) has the ability. But whether it is the right decision, only time can tell. The decision for batsman No. 3 cannot be transient depending on the circumstances.”