After a long break of 45 months from Test cricket, Washington Sundar made a sensational comeback Day 1 of the second Test between India and New Zealand at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. His inclusion has raised eyebrows before, with fans and analysts questioning the decision to opt out Kuldeep Yadav. However, Washington silenced the critics with a masterclass in spin bowling, finishing with career-best figures in the longest format.
A game-changing spell before tea
New Zealand appeared to be in control after half a century Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindrastabilizes the innings at 200/3. But Washington’s spell before the tea break swung the match in India’s favour. His breakthrough came when he produced an absolute beauty to dismiss Ravindra, which set off a collapse that sent shockwaves through the Black Caps’ batting line-up.
Washington Sundar’s 7 cover masterclass covers New Zealand
After Ravindra’s dismissal, Washington continued to dismantle New Zealand’s batting order. He grabbed important goals Tom Blundell, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tim Southee, Ajaz Pateland Mitchell Santner. Bowling with great control and skill, Washington finished with exceptional figures of 7 wickets for 59 runs in 23.1 to help New Zealand to 259 to win.
Also WATCH: IND vs NZ – Washington Sundar does an absolute ripper to dismiss Rachin Ravindra on Day 1 of the second Test.
India’s best bowling figures against New Zealand in Tests
Washington’s performance earned him a place among the best bowling displays by an Indian against New Zealand:
- 8/72 – Srinivasaraghavan Venkatraghavan, Delhi 1965
- 8/76 – Erapalli Prasanna, Auckland 1975
- 7/59 – Ravichandran Ashwin, Indore 2017
- 7/59 – Washington Sundar, Pune 2024
With a stellar bowling effort, Washington not only gave India a crucial lead in the Test but also marked its return to the red-ball format in style.
