Team India all-rounder Washington Sundar made a remarkable return to red-ball cricket with figures of 7-59 in the second Test against New Zealand at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune. After being included in the squad following the first Test in Bengaluru, he immediately took Kuldeep Yadav’s place in the playing XI.
Sundar was selected to target the left-handed batters and was brought into the attack early, partnering with Ravichandran Ashwin. Although he had limited impact initially, Sundar became increasingly effective as the day progressed.
He began by dismissing Rachin Ravindra with a superb delivery and quickly followed up by taking Tom Blundell’s wicket, finishing the second session strong. After tea, he dominated the New Zealand lower order, achieving his first Test five-wicket haul and setting his best figures in first-class cricket.
Sundar’s performance contributed to New Zealand’s collapse from 197-3 to 259 all out in rapid succession.
“Amazing to be living the dream, I manifested for this to happen in this Test. Thrilled to be part of this test, grateful to the coach and captain, unbelievable feeling.”
”To be honest, I wanted to be accurate, no matter what, it’s god’s plan and it came through really well, just hit the right areas, changed my pace here and there,” Sundar told the broadcasters after stumps on Day 1.
“We genuinely felt it’ll start spinning from Day 1, don’t think it did in the second session, but eventually it did,” he added.
Sundar cited the wickets of Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell as his favorites from his impressive seven-wicket haul.
“It’s unfair for me to choose, amazing feeling. Certainly, Rachin, he was getting into a decent position and also Daryl Mitchell’s wicket I enjoyed,” Sundar said.
Team India had to withstand a brief challenge before stumps, during which they lost captain Rohit Sharma. At the close of play, the score stood at 16-1.
Washington Sundar entered the match in good form
Before the second Test, the all-rounder played in the Ranji Trophy for Tamil Nadu, scoring a century while batting at No. 3 and taking six wickets, earning the Player of the Match award in the drawn game against Delhi.
Sundar made his return to the Indian red-ball setup after three and a half years, with his last appearance being in the home series against England in early 2021.
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