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IND vs SA: India on verge of big defeat, Sundar still positive


India’s batting lineup continues to struggle in the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati, with the hosts staring at a likely series defeat at home. Amid the chaos, all-rounder Washington Sundar emerged as one of the few players showing grit and resilience. At the post-day press conference, Sundar shared his thoughts on India’s batting collapse, his ever-changing batting positions, and the need for positivity despite the tough situation.

Washington Sundar’s Press Conference: 7 Key Takeaways

1. Ready for Any Role
“I really want to be the cricketer who can fit into different roles,” Sundar said. Despite being moved up and down the batting order, he remains focused on helping the team wherever needed.

2. Positive Mindset
Sundar emphasized staying positive in tough situations. He encouraged his teammates to trust the process and focus on execution rather than panic during challenging matches.

3. Patience at the Crease
In the second innings, Sundar batted 92 balls for 48 runs, showing patience on a pitch that was difficult to bat on. His innings highlighted the importance of temperament in Test cricket.

4. Defending Teammates
Sundar supported players like Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel, saying, “On another day, those deliveries could have gone for sixes. You have to back their skill sets, even if execution doesn’t always go right.”

5. Team-First Approach
Sundar expressed excitement about playing different roles for the team. He said being flexible and ready to bat or bowl wherever required is a privilege, reflecting his team-first attitude.

6. Observations on the Pitch
He described the Guwahati wicket as a “true wicket” that allowed scoring if batters spent time at the crease. Sundar highlighted the need for focus and discipline on such tracks.

7. Focus on Results Despite Position Changes
While Sundar seems happy in a floater role, he acknowledged that the team’s results remain the priority. His calm and committed approach is a rare positive in a collapsing batting lineup.

India’s first innings ended at just 201, giving South Africa a commanding 288-run lead. Marco Jansen’s brilliant all-round performance, including 93 runs and six wickets, ensured that South Africa finished Day 3 with an overall lead of 314 runs. Sundar’s key takeaway for the team was simple: maintain belief, stay positive, and focus on executing skills under pressure.

Even with the changing batting positions and a difficult Test situation, Washington Sundar continues to display resilience and a team-first attitude, offering a small but important beacon of hope for India in Guwahati.