India’s veteran batter Ajinkya Rahane believes it is not easy for a batter to perform consistently when he knows his position is not set. Washington Sundar batted at one drop in the opening Test match against South Africa at Eden Gardens, Kolkata after Sai Sudharsan was dropped from the side.

Sundar returned with decent scores of 29 and 31 on a challenging wicket but he bowled a solitary over throughout the whole match. Rahane said Sundar is a bowling all-rounder and batting at number three will be confusing for him.

“It’s very tough as a batter in Test cricket when you know your number is not set. You play at three and then suddenly you are out and the guy who bats at six is coming at three. Those who have done well at three and four have gotten that spot consistently for a long time before. You also send such signals. Sai Sudharsan did well at three against the West Indies. Sundar is a good batter. But coming at three and batting will be confusing for him. I believe he is a bowling all-rounder still,” Rahane said on ‘Ash ki Baat’.

On the other hand, Ravichandran Ashwin said there was a time when he was averaging more than 40 with the bat but he wanted to keep bowling as his first priority.

“There was a time in my career where my batting average was above 40. Many suggested to me that I should bat up the order. But I took the decision that I want to do bowling and then batting. I am a bowler first as I came in the team that way. So I did not give much time to my batting. As you go deep in your career, you need to give more time to bowling. This is very confusing for someone like Washi. If he has to bat at three, then bowling will definitely fall into second gear,” he said.

Rahane added that the number three batter should be given a longer rope and security and there shouldn’t be many changes.

“Whoever is playing at three, be it Washi or Sai, it is important to get security at that spot. Only then can you play with freedom. Otherwise, you cannot play your game. If the team management is looking at Sai at three, give him a long rope. Or if they are looking at Washi there, then give him a long rope so he can prepare. Even a player’s career is at stake. It is also important to communicate with the player sitting out then,” Ajinkya Rahane said.

India and South Africa will take on each other in the second Test at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati, from Saturday onwards.