In a strategic move to strengthen the Indian team for the upcoming second and third Tests against New Zealand, Washington Sundar has been added to India’s Test squad. His recent form, which includes an impressive century for Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy against Delhi, has earned him a spot on the team. As India looks to bounce back after a defeat in the first Test, Sundar’s inclusion is expected to bring balance and depth to the lineup.
Washington Sundar’s Recent Form and Selection
Washington Sundar’s addition to the Test squad comes on the back of a stellar performance in domestic cricket. Batting at No. 3, Sundar smashed a remarkable 152 in the Ranji Trophy match against Delhi. This innings was not only his second first-class century but also a clear indicator of his potential as a top-order batter. The BCCI’s decision to bring him in as the 16th member of the squad reflects their confidence in his abilities as a promising all-rounder.
India’s selectors made this change without any other alterations to the squad, which signals that Sundar may have been brought in to either cover for potential fitness concerns or as a backup for other key players.
India’s Performance in the First Test and New Zealand’s Historic Win
The first Test between India and New Zealand concluded with an eight-wicket victory for the visitors in Bengaluru. This was New Zealand’s first Test win on Indian soil since 1988, a significant achievement in the ongoing New Zealand tour of India. With the second Test scheduled to begin in Pune on October 24, and the third in Mumbai on November 1, India will be eager to turn the tables.
While the Indian team had a strong lineup, including three frontline spinners — Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, and Kuldeep Yadav — New Zealand’s well-rounded approach in Bengaluru proved too much to handle. India will now look to adjust their squad for the upcoming matches.
Washington Sundar’s Role in India’s Test Plans
Sundar, known for his off-spin and batting prowess, has previously been a part of India’s white-ball squads. However, he hasn’t played Test cricket since March 2021. His last Test appearance was during the 2020-21 series against England, where he filled in for the injured Ravindra Jadeja.
During that period, Sundar impressed with both bat and ball, accumulating 265 runs at an average of 66.25, including three half-centuries, and picking up six wickets. His contributions during India’s famous win at the Gabba in 2021, where he scored vital lower-order runs and took crucial wickets, have not been forgotten.
Given the depth of India’s spin-bowling allrounders — Jadeja, Ashwin, and Axar Patel — Sundar’s selection could indicate that he may be utilized as a top-order batter rather than purely for his bowling. India faces fitness concerns for key players such as Shubman Gill, who missed the first Test due to a stiff neck, and Rishabh Pant, who is still recovering from knee injuries.
Washington Sundar: A Long-term Prospect for India?
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has previously remarked that Sundar has the potential to become India’s premier all-rounder across all formats. Shastri emphasized the need for Sundar to work on his fitness, especially considering his history of injuries that have interrupted his career. His recent domestic performances, including the promotion to No. 3 in Tamil Nadu’s batting lineup, suggest that Sundar has been following that advice closely.
India’s Test Squad for the Second and Third Tests
The full Indian squad for the upcoming Tests against New Zealand includes:
- Rohit Sharma (captain), Jasprit Bumrah (vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammad Siraj, Akash Deep, Washington Sundar.
India’s bowling attack, with the likes of Ashwin, Jadeja, and Siraj, is already formidable. Sundar’s ability to provide top-order stability as well as his part-time off-spin could be the key to India’s strategy against a resilient New Zealand side.
India vs New Zealand: What’s Next?
The upcoming second and third Tests are vital for India in their pursuit of securing a series win. Fans and experts alike will be watching closely to see how India adjusts their game plan after the first Test defeat. With Sundar added to the mix, the team will have more flexibility in their squad dynamics, especially given the uncertainties around Shubman Gill’s fitness.
For detailed information on the fixtures and results of the New Zealand tour of India, visit this link.
Additionally, for the complete squads for the series, you can refer to the squad details here.
What Do You Think Will Happen Next?
With Washington Sundar joining India’s squad, do you think he will play a key role in the second and third Tests? Please share your thoughts in the comments below! Also, don’t forget to share this article with your fellow cricket enthusiasts and subscribe for more updates on India’s cricket journey.
