SAGE Track status changes after revision and reviewer assignment

[YouthZeal]

I am feeling a bit anxious about the recent back-and-forth status changes in SAGE Track and would appreciate any insights.
For the initial submission, the process was quite standard: the manuscript went through Awaiting Reviewer Selection, then Awaiting Reviewer Assignment, and then Awaiting Reviewer Scores. We then received a Revise decision with comments from two reviewers.
After the first revision, the status changed from Admin Process directly to Awaiting Reviewer Scores on the same day, without going through Reviewer Selection or Reviewer Assignment again. Later, we received another Revise decision. This time, only one reviewer provided minor comments, while the other reviewer seemed to have no further concerns.
After submitting the second revised version, the status changed as follows:
Awaiting Reviewer Selection → Awaiting Reviewer Assignment → Awaiting Reviewer Selection → Awaiting Reviewer Assignment
It is currently still in Awaiting Reviewer Assignment.
My question is: if the editor only sends the second revision to one reviewer for confirmation, would the status normally move to Awaiting Reviewer Scores once that reviewer accepts? Or could it remain in Awaiting Reviewer Assignment because the system is still set to require two reviewers by default?

the key aspect is "once that reviewer accepts"

reviewers most often refuse multiple review rounds and if the editor feels it s beyond their editorial role to move forward without another set of eyes, then it s another round starting.

Have you queried with the journal?

No,I haven't consulted the editor yet; I'm just asking for everyone's advice.

just ask the journal (not necessarily the editor) - they ll know the story of why the paper is where it is better than any of us

i'm an editor in a Sage Journal.

the journal defaults to wanting 2 reviewers. if the editor has decided that only 1 is needed, which seems entirely appropriate for this stage in the review process, they need to click a button to say that in the site. most editors will have done this many times, but in the unlikely event you have a new / naive editor, they could be in a muddle.

I've had a paper which went through a similar story. First two reviews led to major revisions. Then another two reviewers who wanted different revisions. Some of which contradicted the first lot of reviews!
We eventually withdrew the paper and took it elsewhere because we got nowhere with the editor when we queried the contradictory revision requests.
Don't be afraid to write and say it's taking too long and you're mindful to withdraw the paper. That might get things moving. If not, take your paper elsewhere.