In a strategic decision engineered to cater to New Zealand’s team dynamics, India has bolstered its Test squad with the inclusion of off-spinner Washington Sundar. The move comes in the wake of a significant performance by Sundar in a Ranji Trophy game for Tamil Nadu, where he demonstrated his all-round prowess by amassing 150 runs and taking six wickets against Delhi. This timely decision followed the completion of the first Test in Bengaluru, setting the stage for further tactical improvements as India prepares for the second Test in Pune.
India’s assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, shed light on the rationale behind Sundar’s inclusion, stating, “Our squad includes the talents of Axar Patel as well. New Zealand’s playing XI is notable for its quartet of left-handed batsmen. We wanted to equip ourselves with the ability to challenge these players by taking the ball away. Washington has been a familiar face with the white-ball team for quite a while now, and we appreciate the craft he brings to the game. It’s rewarding to see players getting acknowledged and elevated due to stellar performances in the Ranji Trophy.”
Ten Doeschate emphasized that Sundar’s selection was not an act of desperation but a well-considered strategy, reinforcing the faith management upholds in its current cohort of spinners. “Our goal is to ensure we’re optimally prepared for any set of conditions we encounter. The ability to counter the left-handers by moving the ball away is a crucial option, and we want to have that at our disposal,” ten Doeschate declared, also confirming that spinner R Ashwin remains injury-free and ready for action.
As India trails 0-1 in the ongoing three-match series, the Bengaluru encounter was marked by a misjudgment of conditions, which ten Doeschate hopes to rectify in Pune’s forthcoming match. With the ground staff busy preparing the pitch under the sweltering heat, the team is leaving no stone unturned in assessing and preparing for the challenges the surface may present. “I am yet to inspect the wicket myself, but rest assured, no effort will be spared in ensuring we provide the most accurate evaluation of its nature. Our slightly erroneous reading of the Bengaluru conditions didn’t significantly upset us, but it’s a reminder that our assessments should be spot-on,” he continued.
As key players like Shubman Gill approach full recovery and concerns dissipate over Rishabh Pant’s condition, the focus now shifts to fielding the right combination in the Pune Test.
. Both Pant and Gill demonstrated their readiness with practice sessions in the nets. “Rishabh’s progressing well,” ten Doeschate noted. “Although there was some discomfort reported, we are optimistic about his participation in the upcoming match.”
Competition for batting positions intensifies as India ponders selections to suit Pune’s conditions. The team needs to weigh the remarkable 150-run contribution by Sarfaraz Ahmed against KL Rahul’s quieter outing in the previous Test, notwithstanding his recent strong displays. “Avoiding any pretense, there’s jostling for places within the squad. Sarfaraz delivered a notable innings in the last match, and with KL, such situations occur. It’s a phase where you’re not hitting the scoreboard as you ordinarily should,” ten Doeschate accepted.
Fast bowling also presents a selection conundrum, with Mohammed Siraj’s commendable record in the initial Test juxtaposed against Akash Deep, who sat the game out despite his commendable showings against Bangladesh. “Siraj turned in an exceptional performance during the second innings,” laud ten Doeschate. “Although the Bengaluru pitch wasn’t conducive to his preferred style, particularly when countering left-handers with his deliveries, we’re seeing no red flags regarding his current form or precision. A transient shortage of wickets, perhaps, but his speed and precision remain undiminished.”
Acknowledging Akash Deep’s claim for a spot, ten Doeschate stated, “Akash’s form is surely catching eyes; he’s been thoroughly engaged in all formats. Depending on our strategic choices in Pune, notably regarding the number of seamers, his return could soon be realized. His momentum and performance metrics currently stand strong, marking him close to selection.”
As the team heads into the crucial Pune Test, all efforts are concentrated on ensuring the finest alignment of skills and strategy to tip the balance in favor of the home side against a resilient New Zealand team.