Former Indian cricketer Anil Kumble has shared his thoughts on Washington Sundar’s batting position, which has become a major point of debate during the ongoing two-match Test series against South Africa. In the first Test at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, Sundar was surprisingly promoted to No. 3, with Sai Sudharsan left out of the playing XI.

However, the team management reversed course in the second Test at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. Sudharsan returned to the XI, and Sundar was pushed down to No. 8 in the batting order. The all-rounder’s demotion drew widespread criticism, especially after Sundar responded with a gritty 48 off 92 balls lower down the order, further complicating the reasoning behind the decision.

"I know, he (Sundar) sort of was pushed the top of the order, the last game, but I think his position, for me at least, is correct in terms of number seven, number eight, is where I think he should be batting, because this is where he can hurt the opposition. And the top order needs to settle down," said Kumble on the Star network.

The Tamil Nadu-born cricketer forged a vital 72-run partnership for the eighth wicket with Kuldeep Yadav after India had slumped to 122 for 7 in their first innings in Guwahati.

Their stand proved crucial in helping the hosts cross the 200-run mark, though it still was not enough to prevent South Africa from securing a commanding 288-run first-innings lead. Despite the advantage, South Africa captain Temba Bavuma opted against enforcing the follow-on and chose to bat again.

"I thought he showed a lot of courage to just be there, hang around, and put together a really good partnership with Kuldeep Yadav. Otherwise, this, I'm sure, then Temba Bavuma wouldn't have had to go back to check whether he needed to, again, enforce follow-on.

I am sure that if Kuldeep had got out early, I think India would have been batting here in the second innings. So yeah, it's a bit disappointing," said Kumble.