In a surprising move, India has added spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar to their squad for the second and third Tests against New Zealand, to be held in Pune and Mumbai. The decision came shortly after Sundar’s exceptional performance in the Ranji Trophy, where he scored a remarkable 152 against Delhi, solidifying his reputation as a capable all-rounder.
Sundar’s Recent Performance Earns Him a Spot
The Tamil Nadu cricketer, who has played four Tests for India, all in 2021, became a significant contributor to India’s iconic win at the Gabba, Brisbane. His recent exploits in the domestic circuit, particularly his 152-run knock while batting at No. 3, caught the selectors’ attention. This innings helped Tamil Nadu post a massive score of 674/6 declared against Delhi at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, showcasing Sundar’s batting prowess.
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India Squad for 2nd and 3rd Test vs New Zealand
The updated squad for the upcoming Tests includes:
- Rohit Sharma (C)
- Jasprit Bumrah (VC)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- KL Rahul
- Sarfaraz Khan
- Rishabh Pant (WK)
- Dhruv Jurel (WK)
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Axar Patel
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mohammed Siraj
- Akash Deep
- Washington Sundar
Why Did India Choose Washington Sundar?
Potential Ashwin Replacement or Tactical Addition?
Former cricketer Aakash Chopra raised questions about the sudden inclusion of Washington Sundar. He speculated that it could indicate concerns over R Ashwin’s fitness, as the ace off-spinner struggled in the first Test in Bengaluru, failing to make an impact. Sundar’s inclusion might be a precautionary move, adding another off-spin option in case Ashwin is not fully fit. Chopra emphasized that Sundar could be seen as a possible successor to Ashwin, especially considering the latter’s advancing age.
Strong Spin Conditions in Pune
The second Test will be held in Pune, known for its spin-friendly pitch. Adding Sundar strengthens India’s spin attack. His off-spin, along with his batting skills, makes him a valuable addition.
Future Planning
At 25, Sundar could be seen as a potential successor to the 38-year-old Ashwin. His all-round skills might be vital for India’s future plans, especially in home conditions.
Washington Sundar’s Test career record:
| Innings | Runs | Average | 50/100 | Highest Score | Wickets | Bowling Average | Best Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 265 | 66.25 | 3/0 | 96* | 6 | 49.83 | 3/89 |
Succession Planning: A Look Towards the Future
Washington Sundar’s selection might also be part of India’s long-term strategy. With R Ashwin being 38 years old, India could be looking to groom Sundar as his potential successor in the red-ball format. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him an attractive choice for the role of a spin-bowling all-rounder, which has been vital for India, particularly in home conditions.
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Sundar to Join the Squad in Pune
Sundar will join the Indian team ahead of the second Test, which begins on October 24 in Pune. He is also expected to be part of the squad for the final Test in Mumbai. This series holds great importance for India after their 8-wicket loss to New Zealand in the first match in Bengaluru, and Sundar’s inclusion could be a key factor in India’s attempt to bounce back.
Conclusion:
The inclusion of Washington Sundar brings both tactical depth and strategic foresight to the Indian team. Whether it’s to strengthen the spin attack on spin-friendly pitches, provide a batting cushion, or prepare for a future without Ashwin, Sundar’s addition seems to cover multiple bases for the Indian side. His recent performances in domestic cricket demonstrate his readiness, and fans will be eager to see if he can replicate his Ranji form on the international stage.
Follow India’s Test series against New Zealand to see how Washington Sundar performs on his return to the national squad.
