‘Unfair to choose…’: Washington Sundar after stunning 7/59 spell against New Zealand

Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar made a stunning comeback to Test cricket on Thursday with a match-turning 7/59 spell against New Zealand. Notably, Sundar was selected for the Indian team after showcasing his class with a 150 and a few wickets for Tamil Nadu in a recent Ranji Trophy game.

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Soon after his stunning performance on Day 1, Sundar talked about what it meant for him to play in the 2nd Test match. He 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,”

“Unfair for me to choose one. Certainly, Rachin Ravindra because he was batting well. Daryl Mitchell's wicket, as well, was game changer.” Sundar added

Sundar was the pick of the Indian bowlers on Thursday, breaking the back of the Kiwi batting lineup with a stunning 7/59 spell. The off-spinner took his first wicket of the match in the 60th over, dismissing a well-set Rachin Ravindra, who was on 65. Sundar then went on to take the crucial wickets of Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, and Mitchell Santner, before ultimately wrapping up the Kiwi innings with the dismissal of Tim Southee. Ashwin was the only other wicket-taker for India, claiming 3 wickets.

With New Zealand dismissed for a total of 259 in their first innings, the Indian batters were sent out to face 11 overs at the MCA Stadium. Skipper Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal started cautiously, but a delivery from Tim Southee eventually squared up Rohit. From there, Shubman Gill and Jaiswal remained vigilant, carefully navigating the tricky phase of play, leaving India at 16/1 at stumps on Day 1.