Gautam Gambhir reveals the secret behind last-minute Washington Sundar call up for Pune Test

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir revealed the reason behind the team management’s decision to call up Washington Sundar for the upcoming second Test match.

Gautam Gambhir also confirmed that the playing XI hasn't been finalized yet but Washington Sundar is a valuable option for the team.

The selectors included Washington in their squad ahead of the second Test against New Zealand, which is set to be played in Pune from Thursday, November 24.

However, the Rohit Sharma-led team already has four quality spinners, including Ravi Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel.

Washington Sundar Is A Good Option To Have - Gautam Gambhir

Speaking at the press conference, Gautam Gambhir said that Washington Sundar was called up to the squad due to the many left-handed batsmen in the New Zealand lineup. Gambhir said that they wanted a bowler who could move the ball away from the left-handed batsmen.

"With NZ having so many left-handers, we wanted someone who can take the ball away from them. We haven't decided on the playing XI but he's a good option to have," Gambhir told reporters.

Washington Sundar Made His Test Debut For In BGT 2020-21 Series In Brisbane

Sundar made his Test debut during the BGT series in 2021. He has since played just three more matches. The all-rounder has scored 265 runs, including three fifties. He has also taken six wickets at an average of 49.83. Sundar was touted as Ravichandran Ashwin's successor, but injuries halted his progress.

The 25-year-old scored 152 runs while batting at number three and taking two wickets in the Ranji Trophy match against Delhi. He returned to red-ball cricket after his last Test appearance for India in March 2021. His inclusion in the Test squad adds depth to both India's spin options and batting lineup.

New Zealand Are Filled With Four Left-Handers In The XI - Ryan ten Doeschate

The Indian assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, said that Washington Sundar's inclusion in the Test squad wasn't a "desperate measure." Ten Doeschate added that Sundar's selection was to challenge New Zealand's left-handed batsmen in the playing XI.

“Definitely not. They (New Zealand) are filled with four left-handers in the XI. We’ve had Washy around the white-ball squad for a while and we like the way he operates. It’s also nice to see that guys are getting rewarded for Ranji Trophy performance as well,” the assistant coach shared, as quoted by PTI.

“We just want to make sure we’re absolutely prepared for conditions here and if that does mean taking the ball away from the left-hander, we want that option,” he added.

India is reportedly considering a slow turner pitch for the upcoming second Test, which could allow their spin trio to play a crucial role. The hosts want to win the upcoming match and level the series before heading into the third Test in Mumbai.

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