Washington Sundar takes 7/59 vs New Zealand, Sunil Gavaskar makes u-turn on assessment: 'Inspired'

Washington Sundar's inclusion in the second Test against New Zealand was termed as an "inspired selection" by former captain Sunil Gavaskar. Sundar replaced Kuldeep Yadav for the crucial match at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. Despite initial criticism, Sundar delivered an impressive performance, taking his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket and achieving his best figures in the format.

During the Test, Sundar dismissed key New Zealand batters including Rachin Ravindra, Tom Blundell, and Glenn Phillips. He took his fifth wicket by bowling out Tim Southee. At this point, Gavaskar, who was commentating, said, "What an inspired selection. He is picked in the XI because he can bat a little bit, bowl a little bit.”

Incidentally, Gavaskar and Anil Kumble had questioned Sundar's selection, suggesting Kuldeep Yadav would have been a better choice. Gavaskar had commented, "The selection of Washington Sundar tells me that the Indian team was worried about their batting. He is in not just because of his off-spin but because he can get more runs at the lower order."

Sundar's performance proved vital as he helped India bundle out New Zealand for 259 in their first innings, taking seven wickets for 59 runs in 23.1 overs. This reduced New Zealand from 179/3 to 259 all out.

India made three changes for this Test, including Akash Deep, Shubman Gill, and Sundar, replacing 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.