Anil Kumble Surprised as India Drop Sai Sudharsan; All-Rounder Preference Sparks Debate Ahead of South Africa Test

For the Test, India fielded three all-rounders — Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Axar Patel. Washington Sundar is being trialed in the No.3 batting position, while Dhruv Jurel, who scored twin centuries for India A against South Africa A, will bat at No.6.

Changes From Previous Test

Compared to the last Test against West Indies, India made two changes:

• Rishabh Pant returned to the XI, replacing Nitish Kumar Reddy, who was released to participate in the unofficial ODI series against South Africa A.
• Axar Patel came in, replacing Sai Sudharsan.

The decision has sparked discussions over India’s ongoing strategy to prioritize all-rounders over specialist batsmen, even when players like Sudharsan have shown consistent form.

Anil Kumble’s Reaction

Speaking on the selection, Kumble expressed his surprise, saying the team management’s approach is puzzling.

“I really did not expect Sai Sudharsan to be dropped. India seems obsessed with playing as many all-rounders as possible, but it’s important to consider form and role clarity in the lineup,” he commented.

The former captain highlighted that Sudharsan’s batting prowess and adaptability could have strengthened India’s top order. He questioned whether the fascination with all-rounders might be compromising balance and specialization in the team.

Strategic Implications

• India’s decision to prioritize all-rounders aims to strengthen bowling depth, especially on spin-friendly Eden Gardens pitches.
• Sundar at No.3 is an experimental move that could shape the strategy for the series if it succeeds.
• Sudharsan’s exclusion reflects India’s ongoing selection challenges, balancing team flexibility against rewarding consistent performers.

Cricket analysts suggest that while all-rounders offer versatility, specialist batsmen like Sai Sudharsan play a crucial role in stabilizing the innings, especially in high-pressure Test scenarios.

Looking Ahead

The first Test against South Africa promises to be closely watched, not just for on-field performance, but also for how India’s team combination choices impact their long-term Test strategy. With Sudharsan sidelined, the spotlight now shifts to Sundar, Dhruv Jurel, and the three all-rounders to justify their selection.