'We Back Our Players, But…’: Bumrah Jokes About Sundar’s Surprise No. 3 Role

Ace India pacer Jasprit Bumrah has said that he was not aware of the reason behind Washington Sundar being slotted at No. 3 in the batting order, adding that although every player is expected to do the job

assigned to them, he doesn’t know the conversation behind the decision.

India controlled Day 1 of the first Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens on Friday, November 14. Asked to bowl first, they bundled the visitors out for a paltry 159 in 55 overs, with Bumrah shining through a brilliant 5/27 from 14 overs.

In reply, India reached 37/1 in 20 overs by stumps.

India opted for four spinners, with allrounder Washington Sundar taking the No. 3 spot. During the post-day press conference, Bumrah was asked by News18 CricketNext about the surprising decision to promote Sundar up the order.

“I am not the captain as of now. I am sure there must be a reason behind it and when those guys come, you can ask them. I am not really aware was what the whole thought process is,” Bumrah said.

“We back all our players to do the job. But, I don’t know what the conversation was behind it,” Bumrah added.

For the Kolkata Test, India left out Sai Sudharsan and included both Axar Patel and Sundar, alongside Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav. Sundar bowled just one over in South Africa’s first innings and ended Day 1 unbeaten on six from 38 deliveries.

When asked about the Eden Gardens track on Day 1, Bumrah said that the ball offered plenty of movement when it was hard and new. As it softened, he added, accuracy became the key.

“When the ball is hard and nice, maybe the deviation is a little quicker. As and when the ball becomes softer, the deviation lessens and then your accuracy comes into play. When I bowled the first over, everything happened: the ball swung, it stayed low. It was a little difficult to understand what the right length was,” Bumrah said.