Must back batters’ skill set and plans: Washington after India’s batting debacle vs South Africa
India failed to make the best of close-to-ideal batting conditions at the Barsapara Stadium on Monday, as it ceded control of the second Test against South Africa.
The home team was bowled out for just 201 in the first innings, conceding a 288-run lead, after its batters struggled with their shot selection against a disciplined Proteas bowling attack.
On Monday, both Skipper Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel lost their wickets while attempting aggressive shots against left-arm pacer Marco Jansen.
Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar, though, opined that it would be unfair to blame their shot choices.
“On another day, both those shots would have gone into the stands, and all of us would have appreciated and clapped. That’s how it is,” said Washington at the media interaction after Day 3.
“Sometimes you just have to back their plans and their skill sets as well, given the fact that they have shown a lot of proof and evidence in the past as well. Obviously, execution didn’t go the way we wanted,” he added.
India began the day with a strong opening stand between Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, worth 65 runs, before it lost its way with a flurry of wickets, which landed it at 122 for seven.
Washington admitted that India had no specific plans in place regarding how fast or how long it would bat in its first essay.
“In a five-day match, I don’t think you have to think about score or run rate, especially against a quality bowling attack. We just wanted to play it just like any other Test innings. If anything, we would have probably planned tomorrow.
“If we were in a scenario where we only lost 4-5 wickets today, then we can always plan tomorrow and we bat quite deep as well. Going into the day, today, I don’t think there was any plan as to how much we need to get today or probably in the first innings as well,” said Washington.
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The left-handed batter was India’s top scorer in the innings with a hard-earned 48, scored from No. 8. This comes after he had batted at No.3 at the series opener in Kolkata and ended the Test as India’s highest run-scorer.
Washington, though, doesn’t mind the lack of clarity in his batting position.
“I would say I am happiest to bat wherever the team wants me to bat. That way, it is a lot more exciting. This is a team game. There are a lot of strategies that go into the game depending on the conditions, depending on the opposition. It is very tactical at times. Even in football, if you see good players, they might only get to play 20-30 minutes. That’s how the game is.”
When asked about India’s chances in the Test, Washington had a brief, subdued reply. “Got to stay positive in life. You never know what will happen.”
Published on Nov 24, 2025
