Brought back to the playing XI for the second Test vs New Zealand, Washington Sundar justified Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma's decision with a sensational bowling display. Sundar returned with figures of 7/59 as India bundled out New Zealand for 259 in 79.1 overs on Day 1, in Pune.
This was Sundar's maiden Test five-wicket haul and best figures in first-class cricket, Sundar was at the forefront as India wrestled control from the visitors. Five of Sunder's victims were bowled, one lbw and one caught.
Also Read | Washington Sundar's 'dream ball' to dismiss India's nemesis from 1st New Zealand Test was 'God's Plan': 'It was magical'
What did Sachin Tendulkar say?
Reacting to Sundar's display, India legend Sachin Tendulkar raved about his display with a poetic statement on X, formerly known as Twitter. Sachin wrote, “Sundar bowling, Washington! Keep it going! #INDvNZ”
Sundar accounted for the dismissals of Ravindra (65), Daryl Mitchell (18), Tom Blundell (3), Glenn Phillips (9), Mitchell Santner (33), Tim Southee (5) and Ajaz Patel (4).
{{/usCountry}}Sundar accounted for the dismissals of Ravindra (65), Daryl Mitchell (18), Tom Blundell (3), Glenn Phillips (9), Mitchell Santner (33), Tim Southee (5) and Ajaz Patel (4).
{{/usCountry}}In response, India posted 16/1 in 11 overs at Stumps, and trail by 243 runs. Rohit lost his wicket to Tim Southee for a nine-ball duck and will be displeased with himself. Meanwhile, Yashasvi Jaiswal (6*) and Shubman Gill (10*) remained unbeaten for the hosts and will resume batting on Day 2.
Speaking after the final session, Sundar said, "The way it came through, fact that I wasn't part of the first Test and I was called for this particular Test and given the opportunity to play in the XI, I was really grateful to the coach and captain. Unbelievable feeling. [What changed after the first session] I wanted to be very accurate no matter what situation I was bowling or which batsman I was coming coming across. It was God's plan, just came through really well."
"I just focused to hit the particular areas, changed my pace here and there, just really grateful. [Pitch] We genuinely felt it will start spinning from day one. It did spin in the first session but don't think it did a lot in the second. The pitch settled down from the third session, but eventually it did spin. [Fav wicket] Unfair for me to choose one. Certainly Rachin Ravindra because he was batting well. Daryl Mitchell's wicket as well was game changer," he further added.