Pune witnessed a cricketing marvel as Washington Sundar delivered an impressive performance on the first day of the second Test between India and New Zealand. Sundar’s unexpected display culminated in him securing his career-best Test figures of 7 for 59. The young cricketer, who had not been seen in Test cricket for over three-and-a-half years, was not even an initial part of the squad selected for this series. However, fate had other plans, and a last-minute call saw him rushing from Delhi, where he was participating in the Ranji Trophy, to join the Indian squad in Pune.

Reflecting on this remarkable day, a beaming Sundar shared his sentiments saying, “I’m really grateful for this day, I don’t think I’ll ever forget this day, very special.” As he made his way back to the pavilion on Thursday, he was met with applause from his teammates, including fellow Tamil Nadu player and Indian offspinner, R Ashwin. The camaraderie between the two was evident, as they had spent considerable time in the nets upon Sundar’s arrival in Pune, discussing strategies and fine-tuning skills. Washington narrated how Ashwin’s insights throughout the day’s play had a significant impact as they discussed effective bowling strategies for the pitch conditions they faced.

Initially starting with speeds reaching the mid-90kph mark, Sundar adjusted his techniques as the day progressed, meticulously varying his bowling speed. His efforts paid off handsomely, particularly during a dream spell divided by the Tea interval, where he claimed seven wickets for merely 28 runs over 10.1 overs.

“Honestly, it’s all God’s plan,” said Sundar, attributing his success to divine intervention. He focused intently on maintaining concentration and offering 100% effort on every delivery right from the start. His goal was to keep things tight, and he executed that plan perfectly, capitalizing on the pitch’s morning moisture that created challenges for New Zealand’s batsmen. “There was some help in the morning as well in the first session especially when there was moisture. I didn’t try to change too many things. Yes, I tried to vary my pace a little bit but I really wanted to be consistent in hitting the lengths.

Join Get ₹99!

. Yes, special moments throughout the game,” Sundar said, reflecting on the day’s events.

On a pitch that offered considerable assistance to spin bowlers, Sundar effectively utilized his skills to hit the stumps five times, with one wicket coming from an LBW decision. Before the match, India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, explained that Sundar was chosen for the team because of the “control” he could offer. This decision proved wise, as Sundar kept the stumps at play throughout the match, maintaining consistent pressure on New Zealand’s batsmen.

Luke Ronchi, New Zealand’s batting coach, acknowledged Sundar’s exceptional performance stating, “In India, you almost have to cover the straight ones because the balls that really turn, if it bowls you, it’s actually a really good ball. So you’ve actually got to give the bowler credit for bowling those types of balls and Washington did that really well.”

Sundar’s subtle strategies, like exploiting the crease to create varying angles while keeping the stumps in play, were noteworthy. “I think it’s just this consistency of being able to hit a good area for long periods of time,” Ronchi added. Sundar’s ingenuity was apparent when he ended Ravindra’s innings at 65 with a single ball that spun past his bat’s edge and shattered the stumps.

The consistency and precision of his play were undeniable as he continued to deliver at around 93kph and used varying speeds effectively – such as the slower delivery at 85kph that trapped Daryl Mitchell LBW. This variety makes Sundar a unique player among his peers, reminiscent of his ability to maintain control in the T20 circuit, translating this skill to the Test format.

Washington’s breakthrough performance turned heads not only due to the impressive statistics but also because of his distinct style, a product of years’ worth of guidance from his childhood coach, Senthilnathan. Recalling Washington’s journey, Senthilnathan remarked about Washington’s development, emphasizing the importance of adapting techniques across different cricket formats. “It’s a duration game. Here, you’ve got to set a batsman to make a mistake and get him out,” Senthilnathan explained, stressing the adjustments needed from playing a control game in T20 to a wicket-taking mindset in the longer test format.

Washington Sundar’s testament to talent and adaptability demonstrated on this unforgettable day in Pune promises to be just the beginning of a bright and illustrious future in Test cricket.

By IPL Agent

💲Daily Check-In Free Bonus💲 💵 Sign Up & Login everyday to get free cash!💵 👉 cricket1.in