India vs New Zealand: Where does Washington Sundar fit in the spin-loaded squad?

New Zealand humbled India after securing their first win over the hosts in a Test match in 36 years. The first India vs New Zealand Test highlighted many shortcomings within the Indian set-up in a rain-marred match at Chinnaswamy. The 4-day action in Bengaluru saw it all, from record-breaking lows to injury scares to a commendable batting comeback. The clash in Bengaluru proved surprisingly thrilling for the longest format of the game. Coming to bat in overcast conditions, India recorded its lowest-ever score as the Kiwis bowled them all out for a meager 46. While the team redeemed themselves in the second innings with a splendid batting display by Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant, it didn’t prove enough to push for a win or even a draw.

Where did the team fumble in the first India vs New Zealand Test?

For the first Test in Bengaluru, India played a spin-heavy team with Kuldeep Yadav included in the Playing XI. Akash Deep sat out, leaving the pace onus on just Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. The all-round options included the seasoned pair of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. Notably, the Kiwi pacers laid the foundation for their win when they rattled through the Indian batting line-up in the first innings. Coming to bowl, India failed to restrict New Zealand in their attempt to build a massive lead. From 233 for 7, New Zealand, with Rachin Ravindra and Tim Southee partnering for the eighth wicket, raced to 370. Southee, in the process, smashed a half-century with Ravindra already having registered his century.

The India vs New Zealand match has landed skipper Rohit Sharma in the crosshairs of the fans for his tactical calls during the match. The captain started off by opting to bat first on the rain-affected Chinnaswamy pitch. The move proved self-sabotaging for India as the team recorded their most humiliating outing with the bat at home. Moreover, with just Bumrah and Siraj in the pace arsenal, India’s spin plans fell flat in Bengaluru. To top it off, Sharma’s decision to keep Ravichandran Ashwin away from the action on the final day of the Test has shocked many. Now, as India prepares for redemption in Pune, all-rounder Washington Sundar has been called up to the squad.

Washington Sundar included in the squad for the India vs New Zealand series

Washington Sundar, fortunately free from any injury scare for a significant amount of time now, came up with an impressive century in the ongoing Ranji Trophy. The spin all-rounder scored 152 runs against Delhi, batting at No. 3 for Tamil Nadu. The 25-year-old spinner has played 4 Tests for India, all during the 2020-21 Border Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Across these 4 matches, Sundar has picked 6 wickets and scored 265 runs, with three half-centuries to his name. Interestingly, the India squad, along with Ashwin and Jadeja, also has another spin option in all-rounder Axar Patel for the series.

Now, with Sundar’s inclusion, it remains to be seen what the team has planned for the second Test scheduled in Pune. The BCCI didn’t provide any details behind Sundar’s inclusion in the India squad for the remaining two Tests. However, as per reports, the team head coach, Gautam Gambhir, requested Sundar’s call-up. The coach reportedly cited that a finger spinner who can stabilize the batting order simultaneously would assist the team significantly in Pune conditions.

The second Test is likely to witness the return of Shubman Gill in the Playing XI. The batter was ruled out of the opening clash due to stiffness in his neck. In his absence, Sarfaraz Khan earned a place in the team and Virat Kohli moved up a position in the batting order. Moreover, with Rishabh Pant enduring a knee injury during the first Test, it is anticipated that Dhruv Jurel will play the Pune Test. While Pant returned to bat in the second innings despite the injury, the blow kept him away from wicket-keeping duties. Moving ahead in the series, India needs to make a decision on the inclusion of KL Rahul in the Playing XI. If Rahul earns another chance, Sarfaraz, who hit his maiden Test century in Bengaluru, will unluckily lose his place. However, the selection is reportedly favoring Sarfaraz for the remaining fixtures, with Rahul fumbling his opportunity in Bengaluru.

India squad for 2nd and 3rd India vs New Zealand Test:

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, Mohd. Siraj, Akash Deep, Washington Sundar.