Former India player criticized Gautam Gambhir over alleged partiality

shreya-singh — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 13:46:05 GMT

Ashwin criticized Gautam Gambhir over alleged partiality

Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin questioned Gautam Gambhir’s decision to promote Karun Nair to the No. 3 position during the second and third Tests against England. Ashwin pointed out that Nair had never batted at that spot before, and the shift likely affected his mindset and performance. Nair struggled with just 131 runs in six innings at an average of 21.83. As a result, he was dropped for the fourth Test at Old Trafford. India’s batting order adjustment sparked debate among former players and fans alike.

Ashwin, however, lauded Sai Sudharsan, who replaced Nair in the playing XI for the must-win fourth Test. Sudharsan repaid the faith shown in him by scoring a composed 61 on Day 1, helping India post 264 for 4 at stumps after being asked to bat. Ashwin highlighted how Sudharsan’s comeback under pressure showed maturity and resilience, especially after being dropped earlier in the series. The youngster’s knock provided stability after early setbacks.

"Karun Nair has never played at No. 3. Now, by playing him at No. 3, you have put his mindset in a block. But credit to Sai Sudharsan because it is not easy being a youngster after getting dropped and with India 1-2 behind in the series to come into the fourth Test and respond the way he did. I think he has to own that No. 3 for the near future to be able to give a bit of solidity for the team," Ashwin said.

Sai Sudharsan showed that sort of solidity: Ashwin

Young left-hander Sai Sudharsan seized his second opportunity at the No. 3 spot with a composed and mature innings on Wednesday. Following the dismissals of openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal after lunch, Sudharsan held the innings together with remarkable patience and technique. The Tamil Nadu batter scored his maiden Test half-century, spending over three hours at the crease before being dismissed for 61. Praising his effort, Ravichandran Ashwin remarked that Sudharsan’s calm and solid approach at the crease reminded him of legendary Indian No. 3s Rahul Dravid and Cheteshwar Pujara.

“We have seen Cheteshwar Pujara and Rahul Dravid bat at No. 3. Sai Sudharsan showed that sort of solidity. He was able to leave the ball; of course, the wicket was a good one, but he negotiated a tough phase. He earned the right to score those runs. I am a bit upset because I am a huge well-wisher of him. He could have scored a hundred. That guy has a big appetite for runs. He just missed out on a well-deserved hundred,” Ashwin said in Ash in bat.