Washington Sundar takes 7/59 vs New Zealand, Sunil Gavaskar takes U-turn in assessment: ‘Inspired’ | Cricket News – Times of India

Washington Sundarinclusion in the second test against New Zealand was termed an “inspired selection” by the former captain Sunil Gavaskar. Sundar replaced Kuldeep Yadav for the deciding match of 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 your best figures in shape.
During the test, Sundar rejected the key New Zealand including Rachin RavindraTom Blundell and Glenn Phillips. He took his fifth wicket by beating Tim Southee. At which point Gavaskar, who was commentating, said, “What an inspired selection. He has been picked in the XI because he can bat a bit, bowl a bit.”
Incidentally, Gavaskar and Anil Kumble questioned the selection of Sundar, suggesting that Kuldeep Yadav would have been a better choice. Gavaskar commented, “Washington Sundar’s selection tells me that the Indian team was worried about their batting. He is in not only because of his off-line but because he can get more runs in the lower order.”
Sundar’s performance proved vital as he helped India bowl 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 Testincluding Akash Deep, Shubman Gill and Sundar, replacing Mohammed Siraj, KL Rahul and Kuldeep Yadav. New Zealand make one change with Mitchell Santner replacing the injured Matt Henry.
New Zealand won the first Test by eight wickets at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.