If a player needs to be credited with Team India’s success with the ball on Day 1 of the 2nd Test match, Washington Sundar is the man. The off-spinning all-rounder’s return to the Men in Blue’s red-ball team was regarded as a huge success. Sundar’s performance against New Zealand was outstanding, as he took seven wickets during the Kiwi’s innings. His first Test Cricket appearance since March 2021 will be remembered, and the all-rounder gives credit where it is due. Sundar acknowledged the significance of domestic red-ball cricket for his excellence on his Test cricket comeback.

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Washington Sundar Acknowledges Domestic Honing for Spectacular Test Cricket Comeback For Team India

Washington Sundar’s outstanding performance for Tamil Nadu against New Delhi in the Ranji Trophy served as a catalyst for his remarkable comeback for team India in Test Cricket. Team India Head Coach Gautam Gambhir took note of his performance and made the call to include the off-spinning all-rounder ahead of the 2nd Test match. Benching Kuldeep Yadav to Start Sundar was a remarkable gamble, which paid off handsomely. At the post-day press meeting, Sundar expressed the importance of participating in domestic red-ball cricket, crediting that for his success.

“It was a great opportunity for me to play Tamil Nadu-Delhi game because it’s good to be playing (with the) red ball every now and then and keep getting the rhythm in red-ball (cricket) going — both with the bat and ball — and be consistent with it.

Washington Sundar, Sarfaraz Khan, and Virat Kohli celebrates the dismissal of Tim Southee during the day one of the second cricket test match between India and New Zealand at the MCA Stadium in Pune, India | Image: AP Photo 

“The fact that I also got to bowl a lot of overs in that game definitely helped. I am really grateful for this day, I don’t think I will ever forget this day, (it was) very special,” Washington Sundar said.

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Washington Sundar and R Ashwin led India’s charge to take down England’s in-form batting as the spin duo limited the Kiwis to a score of 259. Sundar expressed praise for his Tamil Nadu teammate who shared the nuances of his craft with him.

“It’s quite rare but he (Ashwin) is very kind, especially in that perspective. Not just me, but no matter who goes and asks him for ideas about bowling or any technicalities, he’s always there to help everyone,” Sundar added.