“I’m really grateful for this day, I don’t think I’ll ever forget this day, very special,” remarked a beaming Washington Sundar, reflecting on a day in Pune that would be etched in his memory forever. The elite cricketer unleashed a stellar performance in the opening match of the second Test between India and New Zealand, achieving personal best Test figures of 7 for 59.
The magic unfolded in Pune, a place where Sundar had longed to perform even though his journey to the Test arena had been anything but ordinary. Having been absent from Test cricket for more than three-and-a-half years, Sundar wasn’t even included in the original team list for the series. It wasn’t until a last-minute call for reinforcement saw him undertaking a hurried journey from Delhi, where he was engaged in the Ranji Trophy, to join the Indian squad in Pune.
As the first day concluded and Washington made his way off the field, his fellow Tamil Nadu teammate and Indian team’s accomplished offspinner, R Ashwin, was seen applauding him on his return to the pavilion. Shortly after his arrival in Pune, Washington indulged in a prolonged net session alongside Ashwin. He admitted to having initiated discussions with Ashwin regarding bowling strategy in those particular conditions, an interaction that continued throughout the day. Washington revealed that Ashwin, the senior bowler, consistently conferred with him, advising on what worked well on the pitch and the ideal pace for bowling.
Initially, Sundar bowled primarily at a brisk pace close to the mid-90 kph range but strategically started varying his speeds as the day unfolded. This tactical play culminated in a dream sequence of seven wickets, a spell segregated by the Tea break, and demonstrated by a bowling analysis of 10.1-1-28-7.
“Honestly, it’s all God’s plan. His plan, God’s plan,” Sundar expressed with humility. He explained that his focus was simply on each delivery, giving it his full effort from the opening ball of the day. He emphasized maintaining tight lines, capitalizing on the morning’s moisture that favored the bowlers. Sundar stayed true to his basic plan, varying his pace slightly but persistently hitting challenging lengths. The consistent approach earned him special moments during the game.
The Pune pitch, notably offering spin from the onset, aided his efforts.
. Sundar capitalized on this, hitting the stumps on five occasions and claiming another wicket through an LBW decision. Ahead of the game, Gautam Gambhir, India’s head coach, justified Sundar’s inclusion by stating that his style promised more control—a decision that was evidently rewarded with remarkable results.
New Zealand’s batting coach, Luke Ronchi, acknowledged Sundar’s excellence, noting the skill required in covering straight deliveries in Indian conditions due to the unpredictably turning ball. Ronchi emphasized Sundar’s ability to deliver challenging balls with deceptive swing and drift. Sundar’s consistent use of the crease to craft varied angles while keeping the stumps in play added to his effectiveness.
This disciplined approach paid dividends when he re-entered the attack post a break and immediately dismissed Rachin Ravindra, triggering a collapse that led to New Zealand’s last seven wickets falling for 62 runs. The delivery to Ravindra spun just enough to beat the batsman’s outside edge and clipped the off-stump as Ravindra stood at 65.
“I just wanted to keep hitting the right areas because we expected some assistance for the spinners. It was important for us bowlers to remain sharp,” Sundar revisited his strategy to victory. “It’s magic,” he described the achievement.
The speed gun recorded the deliveries to Rachin and Daryl Mitchell at approximately 93kph and 85kph, respectively. Sundar’s nuanced alterations in speed are still evolving, a significant factor for someone just in his 32nd First Class match, especially considering the competitive nature of contemporary cricket circuits. His adeptness in the T20 arena, where he forged a reputation with subtle line variations, translated effectively into Test cricket strategy as well.
Senthilnathan, Washington’s coach since age 13, who spotted his potential early and fostered the budding cricketer’s development, played a pivotal role in fine-tuning these variations for red-ball cricket. Sundar’s physicality meant he adapted a bowling style focusing on consistent pace control without excessive flight, thus keeping batsmen on their toes.
Adjusting his focus from T20’s run containment to Test cricket’s wicket-taking emphasis required a shift in mentality. Sundar embraced the methodology of setting batsmen up for error as advised by his coach. Senthilnathan expressed confidence in Sundar’s adaptation to the rigors of longer formats, pointing to his performance in Pune as the dawn of more such glorious spells.
Washington Sundar’s heroic return to Test cricket didn’t just add a new chapter to his career; it underscored the potential for many more unforgettable performances on the international stage.