Washington Sundar delivered a career-defining performance in Pune, claiming an extraordinary 7/59 against New Zealand on Day 1 of the Test match. The off-spinner’s magical spell helped dismiss the visitors for 259, showcasing his exceptional control and variations on a responsive pitch.
Strategic Team Changes Pay Off
India’s team management made three crucial changes for this contest:
- Washington Sundar (replacing Kuldeep Yadav)
- Shubman Gill (in for KL Rahul)
- Akash Deep (taking Mohammed Siraj’s spot)
The decision to include Sundar, who had played only five Tests since his memorable debut at the Gabba in 2021, proved to be a tactical masterpiece.
New Zealand’s Initial Resistance
Despite Sundar’s dominance, New Zealand showed early promise through:
- Devon Conway’s composed 76
- Rachin Ravindra’s determined 65
- A crucial 62-run partnership between the two left-handers
After winning the toss, Tom Latham’s decision to bat first initially seemed justified as Conway and Ravindra demonstrated solid technique against India’s bowling attack.
Sundar’s Record-Breaking Spell
The young off-spinner’s figures of 7/59 place him among elite company in India-New Zealand Test history:
| Bowler | Figures | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| S Venkatraghavan | 8/72 | Delhi | 1965 |
| EAS Prasanna | 8/76 | Auckland | 1975 |
| R Ashwin | 7/59 | Indore | 2017 |
| Washington Sundar | 7/59 | Pune | 2024 |
Ashwin’s Milestone
While Sundar stole the headlines, Ravichandran Ashwin achieved a significant milestone, surpassing Nathan Lyon’s tally of 530 Test wickets. Ashwin’s 3/64 complemented Sundar’s heroics perfectly, creating a historic moment where all ten wickets fell to right-arm off-spinners.
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Impact on Series Dynamic
With India looking to level the series following their Bengaluru defeat, Sundar’s performance has:
- Put India in a commanding position
- Created pressure on New Zealand’s batting lineup
- Demonstrated the pitch’s increasing turn
- Boosted India’s confidence for the remainder of the match
Historical Significance
This performance marks several milestones for Sundar:
- First Test five-wicket haul
- Best figures in first-class cricket since August 2022
- First five-wicket haul on Indian soil since 2017
The young spinner’s exceptional display not only justified his selection but also reinforced India’s depth in spin bowling resources. As the pitch continues to deteriorate, Sundar’s performance could prove decisive in India’s quest to level the three-match series.
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