Washington Sundar Stars in Pune Test Turnaround

Washington Sundar made a remarkable comeback in Test cricket by claiming 7 wickets for 59 runs, helping India bowl out New Zealand for 259 on the first day of the second Test in Pune. Sundar, replacing Kuldeep Yadav, was praised for his accuracy and ability to exploit the turn on the pitch, as he dismissed key New Zealand batsmen, including Rachin Ravindra and Tom Blundell. His performance was instrumental in India's need for a turnaround after a loss in Bengaluru, and he now holds the record for the best figures by an Indian right-arm spinner, other than R Ashwin, since 2011. Despite Sundar's heroics, India faced a setback when captain Rohit Sharma was dismissed for a duck, ending the day at 16 for 1. The decision to include Sundar, seen as a strategic move to counter New Zealand's left-handed batters, was lauded by former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar as an inspired selection. The match is set to be a critical encounter for India as they seek to rebound in the series.