In a significant move aimed at bolstering their resources, the Indian cricket team has added the talented spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar to their squad for the second and third Test matches against New Zealand. These highly anticipated fixtures are set to take place in Pune and Mumbai, respectively. The inclusion of Sundar, who hails from Tamil Nadu, is expected to add depth to the Indian side as they look to bounce back in the series.

Washington Sundar’s addition to the squad comes as no surprise to fans and analysts alike. The young cricketer has already made a name for himself, having played four Test matches for India, all in the year 2021. Among these, the match that stands out the most is the iconic victory at the Gabba in Brisbane, which also marked Sundar’s debut in the longest format of the game. His performance during that decisive Test demonstrated his potential and versatility, whether with the ball or bat in hand.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced Sundar’s inclusion just a day after he delivered an outstanding performance in the Ranji Trophy. Batting at number three, Sundar scored an incredible 152 runs against Delhi in a local fixture held in the national capital. This impressive feat undoubtedly caught the selectors’ attention, paving the way for his return to the Test squad.

The Indian squad for these crucial matches now features a formidable line-up comprising seasoned players and promising newcomers. The team list includes names such as Rohit Sharma, who will be leading the side as captain, alongside Jasprit Bumrah serving as vice-captain. Other notable batsmen like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill have been tasked with building a solid start for India. The middle order is strengthened by the presence of legendary cricketer Virat Kohli, alongside KL Rahul and Sarfaraz Khan.

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. The wicketkeeping duties will see the duo of Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel vying for spots behind the stumps.

Spin bowling has long been a strong suit for the Indian cricket team, especially on home soil. With Washington Sundar rounding out a five-man spin attack, India will have an array of options to choose from. This formidable spin unit also includes stalwarts Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel. The depth in spin will allow the team management to strategize effectively against the Kiwi batsmen, who have often struggled against quality spin attacks.

The addition of Sundar’s all-round abilities is not solely an enhancement for the bowling department; his prowess with the bat offers a much-needed batting cushion for India. This is especially pertinent given the team’s recent batting collapse against New Zealand in Bengaluru, where they were dismissed for a paltry 46 runs in the first innings of the series opener. Sundar’s inclusion could, therefore, prove invaluable as India aims to avoid such precarious situations in the fights ahead.

Washington Sundar’s immediate task will be to integrate into the squad ahead of the second Test commencing in Pune on October 24. The match in Pune will be crucial for India’s chances of turning the series around. Providing variety in both, bowling and batting, Sundar presents a balanced option to the team’s think tank.

As the Indian team gears up for the challenge, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on how well the newly formed squad executes their plans against a resilient New Zealand side. The series not only tests the depth of India’s talent pool but also their ability to adapt and respond under pressure, thereby providing the cricketing community with yet another thrilling chapter of international Test cricket.

By IPL Agent

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