Pune: Washington Sundar made a sensational return to Test cricket after his magical spell of spin bowling put India in a good position at Stumps on Day 1 of the second Test against New Zealand at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune.
Sundar claimed a career-best haul of 7 for 59 to mark his comeback in a stunning fashion. Making his return to the Test fold after 3.5 years, Sundar wowed Pune fans with a superb display of spin bowling as his seven-wicket-haul helped India bowl the Kiwis out for 259 in 79.1 overs. The visitors, despite a strong start, which saw them reach 200 for 3 before the Tea break, were blown away by the brilliance of Sundar.
The 25-year-old Tamil Nadu spinner recorded his maiden five-wicket-haul in Tests, his first in all first-class cricket since August 2022 and his first in first-class cricket on Indian soil since October 2017.
How fate played a key role in Sundar’s performance?
Sundar was not even in the squad for the Test series and was only called up after the Bengaluru Test as the team management wanted another spin bowling option on a dry Pune track. His batting skills also worked in his favour as he was slotted straight into the playing XI in place of Kuldeep Yadav.
While his all-round ability played a massive role in his selection, it was fate that earned him a surprise call-up and selection ahead of a seasoned spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who always offers something extra to his captain.
Following a whirlwind day, Sundar revealed how manifestation helped him achieve success in the ongoing Pune Test.
“Amazing to be living the dream, I manifested for this to happen in this Test. Thrilled to be part of this test, grateful to the coach and captain, unbelievable feeling. To be honest, I wanted to be accurate, no matter what, it’s god’s plan and it came through really well, just hit the right areas, changed my pace here and there,” Sundar told the broadcasters after Stumps on Day 1.
Sundar runs riot in Pune
After a wicket-less opening session, Sundar wreaked havoc in the second and third sessions. He started off by castling Rachin Ravindra with a dream delivery before bamboozling Tom Blundell with another jaffa to swing the momentum in India’s favour.
Sundar continued to run riot in the final session, snaring the remaining five wickets as the last seven Kiwis batters went back to the pavillion for just 62 runs.
In reply to New Zealand’s 259, India lost skipper Rohit Sharma (0) as the home side finished the day on 16 for 1, still trailing by 243 runs.
