Quite a few eyebrows were raised when Washington Sundar was added to the Indian squad for the remaining two Tests against New Zealand. Come the second Test in Pune, the lanky all-rounder was even included in place of Kuldeep Yadav. While many thought Sundar’s addition was not needed with Ravichandran Ashwin around, he proved his class by bringing back India in the game.
Watch: Washington Sundar rippers in IND vs NZ Test
New Zealand were going strong in the game, with Rachin Ravindra first stitching a 62-run stand with Devon Conway before forging another 50+ partnership with Daryl Mitchell. NZ were 138/2 when Washington Sundar brought the Rohit Sharma-led side back in the hunt.
Bowling to a well-set Ravindra (65), Sundar came with an absolute ripper. Bowling from round the wicket, Sundar drifted the ball in as the southpaw tried to defend on line. However, to stun everyone, the ball went straight to hit the top of off. Ravindra didn’t cover the stumps and looked in disbelief after seeing the ball rock his stumps.
Sundar with another ripper!
In his very next over (over 62), Sundar brought another delight to the fans as he ripped apart Tom Blundell’s stumps as well. From left-hander to right-hander, Sundar bowled superb deliveries to castle the Kiwi batters. Bowling with much flight once more, the Tamil Nadu-born went past Blundell’s bat and pad to disturb his stumps. With the seam position towards fine leg, Sundar bowled a flighted delivery to which Blundell tried to guide to the on-side. However, It landed further away that what the Kiwi expected and turned sharply. This was the last ball before the Tea break. Commendably, Sundar brought another wicket right after the Tea, plumbing Daryl Mitchell in front of the stumps.
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