Former Indian cricket captain Sunil Gavaskar praised Washington Sundar's inclusion in the second Test against New Zealand, calling it an "inspired selection." India captain Rohit Sharma announced at the toss that Sundar replaced Kuldeep Yadav for the crucial match at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. Although there was some debate over Sundar's selection, he silenced critics by taking his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket, achieving his best bowling figures in the format.
In this match, Sundar took key wickets, dismissing batters like Rachin Ravindra, Tom Blundell, and Glenn Phillips. He claimed his fifth wicket when he bowled Tim Southee. Gavaskar, who was commentating at the time, praised Sundar, saying, "What an inspired selection. He is picked because he can bat a little and bowl a little." Ironically, Gavaskar had earlier criticized Sundar's selection, suggesting Kuldeep Yadav should have been chosen instead. The camera then showed Gautam Gambhir chatting with assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate.
Sundar delivers best ball of the match to dismiss Rachin Ravindra
Washington Sundar delivered an outstanding performance in the second Test against New Zealand, bowling a brilliant delivery to dismiss Rachin Ravindra, who was batting well with 65 runs. Sundar's ball went through Ravindra's defense, marking a key moment in the match.
Sundar also bowled well to take the wickets of Tom Blundell, Tim Southee, and Ajaz Patel. He finished with his best-ever Test figures of 7 wickets for 59 runs in 23.1 overs, helping India bowl out New Zealand for 259 in their first innings. New Zealand went from 179/3 to 259 all out, losing their last seven wickets for just 80 runs.
Before the second Test, cricket legends Sunil Gavaskar and Anil Kumble questioned Sundar's selection over Kuldeep Yadav. Gavaskar mentioned that Sundar was likely picked not only for his off-spin but also because of his batting ability. He felt that if the team wanted a spinner, Kuldeep Yadav would have been a better choice, especially against New Zealand's left-handers.
Murali Kartik also expressed surprise that Sundar was chosen over Kuldeep. India made three changes for this Test, bringing in Akash Deep, Shubman Gill, and Sundar in place of Mohammed Siraj, KL Rahul, and Kuldeep Yadav. New Zealand made one change, with Mitchell Santner replacing the injured Matt Henry.
New Zealand had won the first Test by eight wickets at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
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