Despite India’s significant struggles with the bat against South Africa in the Guwahati Test, resulting in a first-innings deficit of 314 runs, Washington Sundar remains optimistic. The all-rounder, who top-scored for India with 48 from the lower order, urged his teammates to maintain a positive attitude. “You never know what will happen,” Sundar stated, acknowledging the team’s difficult position after day three. He defended the attacking shots played by Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel, noting that such high-risk, high-reward plays are part of the game. “Obviously, execution didn’t go the way we wanted,” he admitted, while also emphasizing the trust placed in the players’ proven skill sets. Sundar revealed that the team didn’t set specific session goals or run-rate targets, preferring to approach the innings like any other Test match. The plan was to bat as long as possible, with future strategies dependent on wicket preservation. Sundar also expressed his willingness to bat anywhere in the order, valuing the team-first approach and the tactical considerations that shape batting strategies.
