Ravi Shastri Slams India’s Batting Order After Collapse vs South Africa in Guwahati Test

• Ravi Shastri calls India’s selection “illogical” and “confusing.”
• Criticizes the decision to use four spinners in Kolkata Test.
• Questions Washington Sundar’s batting position after being dropped to No. 8.
• Highlights India’s No. 3 instability post-Pujara era.
• Urges head coach Gautam Gambhir to bring consistency and clarity to the lineup.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri didn’t mince his words as he tore into India’s batting performance during the ongoing second Test against South Africa in Guwahati.

After South Africa piled up 486 runs in their first innings, India’s top order put up a decent start — KL Rahul (22) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (58) adding 65 runs for the opening stand. However, what followed was a dramatic collapse, as India slumped from 95/2 to 122/7 within an hour.

The middle order, featuring Sai Sudharsan (15), Dhruv Jurel (0), Rishabh Pant (7), and Ravindra Jadeja (6), failed to show any resistance against the disciplined Proteas attack.

By lunch on Day 3, India managed to reach 174/7, thanks to a fighting stand between Washington Sundar (34)* and Kuldeep Yadav (14)*, but the damage was already done.

Ravi Shastri Slams India’s “Confusing” Batting Order

Commentating during the live broadcast, Shastri launched a scathing critique of India’s tactics and team selection, questioning the logic behind repeated batting experiments.

“No, absolutely not. It makes no sense. I don’t understand the thought process there,” Shastri said.
“When they look back at this series, some of the selections… I’m still trying to figure out the thought process. You played four spinners in Kolkata and bowled one of them for just one over. Ideally, you should have gone in with a specialist batter.”

The former coach pointed out inconsistencies in India’s batting order — especially around Washington Sundar, who was made to bat at No. 3 in the previous Test but pushed down to No. 8 in Guwahati.

“Similarly, here, you made Washington Sundar bat at 3 in the last Test, but you could have easily made him bat at No. 4 now that you have a No. 3. He’s at No. 8. He’s way better than that,” Shastri added.

India’s No. 3 Conundrum Continues

India’s No. 3 spot — once solidified by Cheteshwar Pujara — has turned into a musical chair since his exit. Multiple players have been tested, but none have cemented the role.

After Rahul Dravid’s tenure as head coach ended, the responsibility fell on Gautam Gambhir, who now faces the task of bringing stability to India’s batting lineup.

The transition began during the England tour, where Karun Nair and Sai Sudharsan were both tried at No. 3. Later, Washington Sundar was promoted to that position in Kolkata’s first Test before selectors reverted to Sai Sudharsan for the second Test in Guwahati.

This constant reshuffling has drawn widespread criticism, with Shastri leading the charge, warning that “India can’t afford to be this experimental in home conditions.”

India’s Batting Struggles Continue

India’s middle-order crisis has persisted across formats. While openers have been consistent, the collapse-prone middle order has hurt them in both Tests against South Africa.

The recurring theme of soft dismissals and lack of adaptability against pace and spin alike has reignited concerns about India’s batting depth — especially with the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle in progress.

Shastri’s remarks reflect the growing sentiment among fans and experts that the team must fix its batting structure and bring clarity in player roles, particularly for positions 3 to 6.