Mumbai Mumbai. Team India has included spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar in its squad for the decisive second Test against New Zealand at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune from October 24. However, his chances of playing will depend on the conditions, but India are unlikely to go with the same line-up for the second Test. The Tamil Nadu-born cricketer made his Test debut in the Brisbane clash during the 2020-21 tour of Australia, scoring a crucial half-century in the first innings, followed by a cameo in the second innings. Sundar also took four wickets. However, he last played a Test in March 2021 and has not got a chance despite scoring 96 runs in his most recent red-ball game for India. However, his marathon innings of 152 runs for Tamil Nadu against Delhi in the Ranji Trophy has brought him back into contention. The off spinner has also taken some wickets. India's squad for the second test: Rohit Sharma (captain), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Akshar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammad. Siraj, Akash Deep, Washington Sundar.
After his innings of 152 runs from 269 balls, Sundar said that he was happy that he was given the opportunity to bat at number 3. The left-handed batsman is keen to cater to the team's every need and was quoted by ESPN Cricinfo as saying: “It was the management's decision and I'm grateful for the opportunity. I knew batting at No. 3 It will be a good opportunity for me and I am happy to be able to contribute. I definitely consider myself a top-order batsman. One thing I am very happy with is the opportunity to bat at No. 3. Very important – I need to be able to do everything the team demands.” Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma and his team will be looking to recover from the crushing eight-wicket defeat against New Zealand in Bengaluru.
Comments are closed.