Kolkata, Nov 19, 2025 — Former india captain Sourav Ganguly has openly questioned the indian team management’s decision to promote Washington Sundar to the critical No.3 batting position in the recent Eden Gardens Test, which india lost by a narrow margin of 30 runs. Ganguly described the move as “questionable” and urged the team to reconsider its playing XI strategy for upcoming matches.

Ganguly’s Criticism

Speaking to the media, Ganguly expressed concern over placing a relatively inexperienced middle-order batsman at a pivotal position, saying:

“No.3 is a crucial spot in Test cricket, especially in high-pressure matches like the Eden Gardens Test. washington sundar is a talented all-rounder, but promoting him to No.3 at such a stage was risky. The team management should have backed more experienced batsmen for this role.”

He also emphasized that team balance and tactical planning are key to avoiding repeated close defeats.

The Eden Gardens Test: A Quick Recap

· india suffered a 30-run defeat in a match that many expected them to dominate.

· washington sundar, playing in an unfamiliar No.3 position, struggled against the opposition bowling attack, putting additional pressure on the top order.

· Despite valiant performances from other senior batsmen, the middle-order collapse contributed significantly to the narrow loss.

Suggested Changes in Playing XI

Ganguly proposed a few adjustments for India’s upcoming fixtures:

1. Reassess the Batting Order

o Place experienced batsmen in the top three positions to provide stability and build partnerships.

2. Flexible All-Rounder Roles

o washington sundar and other all-rounders should be used lower down the order, where they can impact games without being exposed early.

3. Strategic Team Selection

o Emphasis on players with proven track records in pressure situations, especially in high-stakes venues like Eden Gardens and overseas grounds.

Impact on Team Morale

Former captain Ganguly noted that such strategic missteps can affect team morale, particularly in tight contests:

“Players need to be confident that the management is making tactical decisions that maximize their strengths. A wrong move in batting positions can shake that confidence.”

Public and Expert Reactions

Cricket analysts and fans have largely agreed with Ganguly’s assessment:

· Many feel No.3 in Tests is too sensitive for experimentation, especially during crucial series.

· Some argue that while Sundar is a gifted player, placing him in the top order may limit the team’s scoring potential.

· social media buzz shows fans debating whether experience should outweigh experimentation in high-pressure matches.

Looking Ahead

India now faces upcoming matches where the team management will need to reassess its lineup and batting strategies. Analysts suggest that lessons from Eden Gardens should influence:

· Future Test match batting orders

· The role of all-rounders in high-pressure situations

· Balancing youth and experience for optimal team performance

Ganguly’s criticism underscores the importance of smart team management and strategic planning, particularly in Test cricket, where a single positional misstep can influence the outcome of tightly contested matches.

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