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 turning Eden Gardens pitch, hoping his all-round skills would help. But the plan fell apart as India suffered an embarrassing 30-run defeat on November 16.

Sai Sudharsan had done a decent job at No. 3 against England and the 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 with four spinners at Eden Gardens.

Ravichandran Ashwin says Sai Sudharsan’s omission could hurt India’s future

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

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Ravichandran Ashwin said in a video posted on his YouTube channel, "I'm really worried for Sai Sudharsan; he is a good player. What would he be thinking 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 four spinners, and then you don't give a single over to one of them. These are all going to play into 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 pitch was made for spin. India’s spin-heavy attack also did not deliver as expected. While Jadeja took four wickets in the second innings, South Africa’s Simon Harmer overshadowed everyone with a seven-wicket match haul.

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

The former Indian all-rounder further added, “I know that in a T20I you tend to go with all-rounders, but specialists will work in tests. In many ways, to create a lot of stability without insecurity, and giving people the roles are extremely crucial.

These are crucial WTC points. India was looking prime to be in the final because even Gill said at the toss that he will win one directly in the final. But we have to reach there first, and this match is a huge blow for that.”

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Ravichandran Ashwin questions India’s No. 3 gamble in Kolkata Test

The former Indian off-spinner has further stressed that the No. 3 position needs stability. Ashwin said that if the team backs Sundar for that role, they must stick with him for a few years.

Ashwin also noted that if they believe Sudharsan is the future, then dropping him suddenly will only harm his confidence. He insisted that Sai Sudharsan has a good future and he only needs to be backed.

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