Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has criticized young all-rounder Washington Sundar’s inclusion in the second Test against New Zealand in Pune. Sunil Gavaskar said the Indian team was a bit panicked after their shocking eight-wicket loss in the first Test in Bengaluru.
India have made three changes to their squad for the second Test against New Zealand in Pune. Shubman returned to the side after Gill missed the first Test. Akash Deep and Washington Sundar have also been included in the squad. KL Rahul, Mohammed Siraj and Kuldeep Yadav were dropped from the playing XI.
They are worried about their batting – Sunil Gavaskar
Sunil Gavaskar said that Washington Sundar’s inclusion in this team shows a lack of confidence in the batting line-up. Gavaskar said that the team management supported Sundar because of his low-level batting rather than bowling. He told the team that he will pick Kuldeep Yadav.
“Unless there are injury concerns, I don’t see many teams making three changes. Washington Sundar’s inclusion actually means they are worried about their batting,” Gavaskar said.
“More than his bowling, he needs his batting as a cushion. Yes, there is a lot of talk about left-handers in the New Zealand batting department, but I would pick Kuldeep Yadav who can turn it around. He is far from a left-hander,” he added.
Washington Sundar’s Last Test Appearance Against England 2021
Sundar was not included in India’s 15-man squad for the Test series against the Kiwis, but was added after the first Test loss. He was picked over Kuldeep Yadav for the second Test. Gautam Gambhir defended the selection as New Zealand have three left-handed batsmen in their top four.
The 25-year-old cricketer recently scored a century for Tamil Nadu in a Ranji Trophy match. He made his debut in the fourth Test against Australia at The Gabba in 2021. The southpaw last played for the Indian cricket team in the 2021 Test match at Ahmedabad where he scored 96 unbeaten runs.
Don’t Think, They Pressed the Panic Button – Simon Doull
Former New Zealand fast bowler Simon Doull said the Indian team management has not pressed the panic button. Doull expressed surprise at the rapid turnaround after just one Test match. He questioned Ravichandran Ashwin’s decision to include Washington Sundar after just one bad outing.
“I don’t think they hit the panic button. It surprises me a little bit. Before the tour there were press conferences about supporting the players, supporting their skills and all of a sudden, after one test match, you’ve got a guy who was good enough in the first test match, now he’s not good enough, ok, Sarfaraz knocked on the door with that big 150. 1,” said Dole.
“Washington Sundar is at number 11 immediately after the run in domestic cricket. Does that tell me they are not happy with how Ashwin is bowling? But they are bringing in another off-spinner because he (Ashwin) was not bowling well. Let me tell you the first Test, he he will play well here,” he said.
At lunch, New Zealand were 92 for 2 after 31 overs. Washington Sundar bowled seven overs and conceded just 11 runs, including three maidens. Ravichandran Ashwin took both the wickets that fell in New Zealand’s first innings in the first session of the opening day in Pune.
Also read: Watch: Rohit Sharma ignores Virat Kohli for DRS call, India lose sight of Pune Test
