Rohit Sharma questioned for Washington Sundar's inclusion in Pune Test from Australia
Published - 24 Oct 2024, 12:01 PM | Updated - 24 Oct 2024, 12:22 PM
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Former Australian spinner Brad Hogg has questioned Team India skipper Rohit Sharma over Washington Sundar's inclusion for the second Test match. Brad Hogg wasn't impressed with left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav failing to make it to the squad for the must-win encounter in the Test series.
Kuldeep Yadav was left out of the Indian squad for the second Test against New Zealand at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on Thursday, October 24. Washington Sundar was recalled to the playing XI for the game. This decision comes after India's eight-wicket loss in the first Test.
Kuldeep Yadav Adds A Point Of Difference - Brad Hogg
Brad Hogg expressed confusion about Washington Sundar's inclusion in the team alongside Ravichandran Ashwin. Hogg stated that Sundar and Ashwin offer similar off-spin skills with the ball. He emphasized that Kuldeep Yadav provides a different option that could be more valuable.
"Sundar in the team when you have Ashwin doing the same thing is difficult to comprehend. Kuldeep adds a point of difference," Brad Hogg wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Sundar in the team when you have Ashwin doing the same thing is difficult to comprehend. Kuldeep adds a point of difference. #INDvNZ
— Brad Hogg (@Brad_Hogg) October 24, 2024
Kuldeep took three wickets in the first Test against New Zealand. Earlier this year, he had an impressive performance against England, securing 19 wickets in four home Test matches. Overall, Kuldeep has taken 56 wickets in 13 Test matches at an average of 22.16, including four five-wicket hauls.
Predictable Changes From India - Harsha Bhogle
Popular commentator and broadcaster Harsha Bhogle also reacted to the changes in India's lineup, describing them as predictable. He said that the toss was advantageous for New Zealand once again in the ongoing series.
"Predictable changes from India. But a very good toss outcome for New Zealand again," Harsha Bhogle tweeted.
Predictable changes from India. But a very good toss outcome for New Zealand again
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 24, 2024
Sundar was added to the squad after his impressive performance in a Ranji Trophy match against Delhi. He was not included in the initial squad for the series. Head coach Gautam Gambhir and assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said that Sundar can take the ball away from the left-handed batters.
New Zealand have multiple left-handed batters, including skipper Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, and Mitchell Santner, in the lineup. In the first Test match, Conway and Ravindra targeted Indian spinners and didn't allow Ravichandran Ashwin and Kuldeep Yadav to find their rhythm.
Washington Sundar Last Played a Test Match for India in 2021
Washington Sundar made his Test debut in the fourth Test against Australia at The Gabba in 2021. He has played only four Test matches despite the early expectations.
He has taken six wickets and scored 265 runs with an average of 66.25, including three half-centuries. The left-handed batter scored an unbeaten 96 during the final Test against England in early 2021 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
