CRICKET | Washington the latest to occupy the seat in the No. 3 musical chair game

GUWAHATI

Batting at No. 3 is one of the most crucial roles in Test cricket. The job description is expansive: a batter must be technically sound to face the second ball of the match and versatile enough to push the game forward when the openers build a solid platform.

Over the last three decades, India has been lucky to have two dependable batters who have owned that role. First, Rahul Dravid left a lasting legacy, and then Cheteshwar Pujara seamlessly took over.

However, in recent times, filling that spot has become a game of musical chairs. In the first Test against South Africa in Kolkata, Washington Sundar became the seventh and latest man to be entrusted with solving this puzzle ever since Gautam Gambhir became the coach.

The early signs are good. The tall left-hander may have made only 29 and 31 but he brought a sense of calm, courtesy his sound technical foundation. Despite India’s 30-run loss, he was a bright spot, remaining largely untroubled on a spiteful surface with uneven bounce. Notably, he faced the most balls in the game (174).

Washington Sundar and Rishabh Pant arrive in Guwahati on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, ahead of India’s crucial Test against South Africa beginning on November 22.
| Photo Credit:
RITURAJ KONWAR

His assurance, though, shouldn’t surprise anyone, for he started as a top-order bat for Tamil Nadu before being used primarily as a bowling all-rounder for India.

“He has a sound defence. When you trust it, you tend to play confidently. The way he played by getting to the pitch of the ball with the bat in front showed his confidence… without worrying about getting caught at short-leg or silly point,” explained M. Senthilnathan, Washington’s long-time coach and mentor.

While the Eden Gardens fixture showcased his game against spin, the 26-year-old is equally adept at playing pace. In his debut Test in 2021 against Australia, he made vital contributions in the memorable win at the Gabba in Brisbane.

Earlier this year in England, walking in at No. 5 at Old Trafford in Manchester, Washington scored a match-saving maiden century on the final day. In the fifth and final Test at The Oval, he blazed a quickfire half-century, shepherding the tail to set up a famous win and help level the series 2-2.

Washington Sundar plays a shot on the second day of the first cricket Test match between India and South Africa at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday, November 15, 2025.
| Photo Credit:
K.R. DEEPAK

“Even as a 14-year-old, he had a lot of time against pace bowlers,” added Senthilnathan. “More importantly, he has the temperament to play the long game and force bowlers to bowl to his strengths.”

Now that Washington is auditioning for the No. 3 role, it remains to be seen if he gets a longer run than his predecessors B. Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair. Given the position’s importance, it may be time to pause the music.