Overview:
Ricky Ponting also questioned this decision during the commentary. He said, “If you look at the figures, Sundar’s Test average is around 39 while Shardul’s average is only 17. In such a situation it is incomprehensible to not send Sundar.
Delhi: India’s batting decisions in the fourth Test once again became a topic of discussion when Shardul Thakur was sent before Washington Sundar after Rishabh Pant’s retired hurt. The decision surprised many cricket experts, including Dinesh Karthik.
Karthik raised questions
Rishabh Pant, who was seen in the rhythm scoring 37 runs, was injured on a full toss ball of Chris Woakes and had to leave the field. At that time India’s score was 235/4 and the situation became a bit critical. Meanwhile, there was a change in the batting order and Shardul was sent before Washington Sundar. To this, Dinesh Karthik said, “I was very shocked by this decision. Washington has shown patience in this series and in the past. It was the right time after Pant’s departure and Sai Sudarshan’s dismissal that it was the right time to come and handle the innings.”
Ricky Ponting and Ravi Shastri also surprised
Ricky Ponting also questioned this decision during the commentary. He said, “If you look at the figures, Sundar’s Test average is around 39 while Shardul’s average is only 17. In such a situation, it is out of understanding not to send Sundar. He was not even a nightwatchman because there were still 40 minutes left and a new ball was also coming.”
Ravi Shastri also agreed to this, saying, “Beautiful was out early in the first Test, but he plays better with the top order. It would have been better to send him up.”
Sudar’s batting capabilities ignored
Karthik further said, “Washington is a batsman who makes an innings. He plays with intentions but understands the situation.
Sundar’s performance has been strong
Sundar has made a useful contribution with the bat in this series. 42 runs in Edgbaston and 12 not out, 23 runs in Lord’s and also after taking 5 wickets in the third Test, he was not given a serious chance.
Team management silence
No official statement has come from Team India on this decision so far. It is believed that this decision was taken due to strategic vigilance or perhaps hesitating to take Sundar against the new ball. Although Shardul finished the day by scoring an unbeaten 19 off 36 balls, but the question was definitely left whether it was only to save the wicket at that time or the situation was demanding something else.
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