IND vs SA 2025: 'This could affect his bowling in the long run' - Dinesh Karthik's huge statement on Team India star after Kolkata Test

Dinesh Karthik asked whether India are looking at Washington Sundar as a batting all-rounder after the 26-year-old batted at No. 3 in both innings of the first Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, and bowled just one over.

The former India wicketkeeper warned that if India asks Sundar to focus more on his batting, it could hamper his bowling abilities in the long run. The Tamil Nadu all-rounder has bagged 35 wickets so far in 16 Tests at an average of 30.34.

"Where is Washington Sundar the Test player being looked at? Is he a bowler who can bat? Now if you are sending him at three, you are almost telling him that he needs to focus a lot more on batting. The moment he starts spending those long hours for batting in practice, you tend to reduce your practice for bowling because it is physically impossible to be good at both. So the message is very straightforward that we are looking at big runs from you. This could affect his bowling in the long run. It is a very tricky one," he said on Cricbuzz.

'I always felt that he was underutilized' - Shaun Pollock on Sundar

Former South African captain Shaun Pollock lauded Sundar for his application on a rank turner in Kolkata. He hoped that the Indian team management gives him a run of four to five Test matches at the No. 3 position and see how he goes.

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"Application is the right word. I think he will still work out his game plan how he wants to pace is innings at three, when he wants to be positive or aggressive. But he deserves a run. So you keep him in that position, give him another four-five Test matches and see how he goes. If things don't pan out well then you can maybe look to make a change. I always felt that he was underutilized. They probably could have had a look at him a bit more. But as far as the batting goes, nothing wrong with his application. He will work out more as he goes along," Pollock said.