Washington Sundar made a remarkable comeback to the Indian Test team, taking seven wickets and leading the charge as India bowled out New Zealand for 259 on the first day of the second Test. Supported by Ravichandran Ashwin, who claimed three wickets, Sundar’s exceptional performance underscored the strength of India’s bowling lineup. At the close of play, India was 16 for 1, trailing by 243 runs.
On a day that showcased his skills, Sundar recorded figures of 7 for 59, marking his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket across just five matches. His return to the squad came after a long hiatus since March 2021, and he made an immediate impact on the field.
New Zealand's innings, led by Devon Conway's 76 and Rachin Ravindra's 65, was set back after captain Tom Latham won the toss. Despite a solid partnership of 62 runs for the third wicket, Sundar's brilliance broke through, as he claimed crucial wickets, particularly after tea. His initial breakthrough was the dismissal of Ravindra, which halted New Zealand's momentum as they collapsed from a strong 197 for 3.
Reflecting on his performance, Sundar expressed gratitude for the opportunity to return to the team, saying, "I wasn’t part of the first Test, so I’m really thankful to the coach and captain for giving me a chance. It was an unbelievable feeling."
Sundar's strategy was clear: "I aimed to be accurate, regardless of the situation. It was all part of God's plan. I just focused on hitting my areas and varying my pace." He noted that while the pitch initially offered some turn, it became more stable as the day progressed.
When asked about his favorite wicket, Sundar found it challenging to choose. "It’s tough to pick just one, but Rachin Ravindra's wicket was significant as he was batting well, and Daryl Mitchell's dismissal was also crucial," he remarked.
As play concluded, India faced a setback with the loss of captain Rohit Sharma for a duck, bowled by Tim Southee. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill were at the crease, looking to build on a challenging position as India aims to level the three-match series after their defeat in Bengaluru.
