Former India World Cup-winning bowler Balvinder Sandhu has opined that Washington Sundar has the skills and temperament to bat at No. 3 in the red-ball version. Sundar recently impressed with the bat as he scored crucial runs while batting down the order.

When Pant was injured in the fourth Test match at Manchester, Sundar was promoted to number five. The left-hander was able to grab his opportunity with both hands as he scored a fine knock of 101* runs, which was his maiden Test century, to help India draw that game.

Sundar scored 284 runs in four Test matches against England at an impressive average of 47.33. The off-spinner also scalped seven wickets in as many games at an average of 38.57.

Sandhu said in his column for Mid-Day, “Washington’s 26 with the tail ( Oval Test) was pure gold. He (Sundar) showed how to guide the lower order and absorb pressure while batting like a proper top-order player. I genuinely believe he has the skills and temperament to bat at No. 3 in Test cricket.”

The former swing bowler also praised Karun Nair for scoring a crucial knock of 57 runs at the Oval.

He added, “Let’s not forget the unsung heroes. Karun Nair’s gritty 57, Sai Sudharsan’s valuable 38, Akash Deep’s fighting 66 as nightwatchman, Jadeja’s vital 53.”

Sandhu, who celebrated his 69th birthday on 3rd August, said the Oval win was imperative for head coach Gautam Gambhir’s survival.

“Finally, this win is also for the Head Coach. In fact, for him, it’s much more than a win, it’s survival. And yes — Gavaskar had messaged, saying he hoped that the Indian team would give me the perfect birthday gift. It came a day late, but was totally worth the wait,” said Sandhu (via the aforementioned source).

India would next take part in the Asia Cup.