TL;DR
- India's No. 3 batting position shows significant inconsistency under Gautam Gambhir's captaincy.
- Seven different players have been tried at No. 3, impacting team stability and performance.
- India's Test record of 7 wins in 18 matches highlights the pressure to find a stable No. 3.
- The team struggles with consistency and momentum due to the lack of a dependable top-order framework.
The No. 3 batting position in Indian Test cricket is traditionally viewed as crucial. However, under Gautam Gambhir's captaincy, this spot has experienced notable inconsistency.
India has experimented with seven distinct players in the third batting position, a situation that prompts concerns regarding consistency and future strategic development. The team's performance outcomes throughout this timeframe have also been unfavorable.
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India's record of seven victories in 18 Test matches places them under pressure to secure a stable player for The No. 3 batting position. Sai Sudharsan had previously been assigned this position during the tour of England.
Washington Sundar has now taken his place, having been moved up to the third batting position in the first Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens.
India's top 3 batsmen when Gambhir was captain in Test matches
During the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Devdutt Padikkal batted at the number three position for the initial game. Shubman Gill took his place for the subsequent two matches.
KL Rahul entered the fray in the fourth Test, with Gill returning for the fifth. During India's match against England at Headingley, the responsibility fell to debutant Sai Sudharsan.
At Edgbaston for the second Test, Karun Nair was inserted, marking the sixth individual to bat there. Now at Eden Gardens, Sundar is the seventh to endeavor to secure his place in one of the squad's most vital roles.
Here's the full list of India’s No. 3 batters under Gambhir so far:
| First Match at No. 3 | Batter |
|---|---|
| 1st Test vs Australia (Perth) | Devdutt Padikkal |
| 2nd Test vs Australia (Adelaide) | Shubman Gill |
| 3rd Test vs Australia (Brisbane) | Shubman Gill |
| 4th Test vs Australia (Melbourne) | KL Rahul |
| 5th Test vs Australia (Sydney) | Shubman Gill |
| 1st Test vs England (Leeds) | Sai Sudharsan |
| 2nd Test vs England (Edgbaston) | Karun Nair |
| 1st Test vs South Africa (Eden Gardens) | Washington Sundar |
India's batting lineup is developing a trend of instability at the No. 3 position. This deficiency in a dependable top-order framework exacerbates the team's struggles with consistency, hindering their ability to achieve substantial scores and manage match momentum.
India's Test performance with Gambhir at the helm
Let's take a look at India's Test record under Gambhir below:
- Matches: 18
- Wins: 7
- Losses: 8
- Draws: 2
- Win %: 38.88%
The quest for a reliable No. 3 batsman persists. Simultaneously, inquiries regarding Gambhir's strategy for Developing India's Test team's core continue.