Ajinkya Rahane fires warning shot at Gautam Gambhir over No.3 chaos: 'A player’s career is on the line'

Ajinkya Rahane has called on India’s team management to stop the constant chopping and changing at No.3 and commit to a long-term option, urging them to offer the chosen batter a proper “long rope.”

The former India captain, who occupied the No.5 position for years, voiced concern over India’s revolving-door policy for the pivotal one-down slot. Since Gautam Gambhir took over as head coach, the position has lacked stability, with Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill, Karun Nair and now Washington Sundar all tried without a settled choice emerging.



The uncertainty peaked during the first Test against South Africa in Kolkata, where India dropped Sudharsan despite his recent runs and instead promoted Sundar to No.3 in a match they eventually lost by 30 runs. Rahane believes this constant reshuffling risks hurting careers.

Speaking on Ravichandran Ashwin’s YouTube show ‘Ash Ki Baat’, Rahane said the role requires specific preparation that cannot be mastered amid frequent changes.

“I'll take a name. Sai Sudharsan. He did well, 87 and 39, I guess,” Rahane said. “When you bat at No.3, it requires a different skill. Batting at 6 or 7 requires a different skill. Washy is a great player, an amazing talent. But going to bat at No.3 is very confusing for him. He must be thinking, ‘How do I set my game?’ Washy, I believe, is a bowling all-rounder.”
Rahane stressed that whether it is Sundar or Sudharsan, the player needs clarity and time to adapt

“If he has to bat at No.3, then he has to prepare differently, and he will need to give it more time. Batting lower down the order is a completely different skill,” he added. “Whether it is Washy or Sai, giving security is of utmost importance.”

Sudharsan, who debuted in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy earlier this year, had mixed returns initially but impressed with an 87 against the West Indies in his last Test. Many expected him to start against South Africa, and with skipper Shubman Gill nursing a niggle, he is likely to return for the second Test in Guwahati.
Rahane reiterated that India must think long-term

“If the team management is looking at Sai at No.3 for a long duration, then he should be given the long rope. Similar to Washy,” he said.
“A player has his career on the line. We have to play for our country, so if you want to get a player playing at No.3 for long, then giving them a long rope is important.”


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