Washington Sundar’s 7/59 Leads India’s Comeback in Pune Test Against New Zealand

Indian Cricket Legends Praise Gautam Gambhir and Management for Including Washington Sundar in Pune Test vs New Zealand*

India head coach Gautam Gambhir’s decision to include all-rounder Washington Sundar in the playing XI for the second Test against New Zealand in Pune turned out to be a masterstroke as the right-handed spinner scalped career-best figures of 7/59 in the first innings to push the visitors on the back foot. 

After losing the first match in Bengaluru, the hosts made three changes to their playing XI. Sundar, Shubman Gill, and Akash Deep were included in the side, while Kuldeep Yadav, KL Rahul, and Mohammed Siraj were benched for this game. Some former cricketers initially questioned Sundar’s inclusion at the cost of Kuldeep, but the off-spinner turned things in India’s favor. 

As soon as Washington took his fifth wicket, legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar called it an “inspired selection”. “What an inspired selection. He is picked in the XI because he can bat and bowl slightly.”

Sanjay Manjrekar, too, praised the team management for taking the call and tweeted, “Now all, the selectors, the team management, and of course, Washi himself deserve a huge pat on the back for that five-wicket haul!” 

According to former India player and coach Sridharan Sriram, current India coach Gautam Gambhir believes Washington Sundar is underutilized. Sriram had heard what the current India coach believed about Sundar. “If you look at it, from the moment GG (Gambhir) came into the picture, Washy has been a regular across formats because he always believed he was being underutilized,” Sriram was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.

“Gautam always believed Washington, with his versatility, had much to offer regarding a batsman and a bowler. Gautam prefers multi-utility cricketers, and Washington fits that bill. And Gautam knows how to use him. On Indian pitches, he wanted a finger spinner ahead of a wrist spinner, and Washington showed why it was a sensible move,” Sriram added.

New Zealand were bowled out for 259 in the first innings. Sundar’s scalps included the in-form Rachin Ravindra, who had played a key role in New Zealand’s win in the first encounter, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, and Ajaz Patel. 

Sundar was drafted into India’s squad for the remaining two Tests against the Blackcaps after his stunning performance in the Ranji game against Delhi at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The Tamil Nadu player struck a brilliant 152 for the side and returned with three wickets apiece in both the innings. 

The 25-year-old’s inclusion in the playing XI for this match also gives the home team an extra batting option down the order. All eyes will now be on India’s batters as they look to pile up a big score in reply.

Image Credits: Hindustan Times

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