Washington Sundar to replace R Ashwin for IND vs NZ 2nd Test? Ryan ten Doeschate gives big update

India's assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has given a huge update on India's Playing XI for the second Test against New Zealand at Pune. Ten Doeschate stated that R Ashwin is fit to play the next match and also revealed the reason behind Washington Sundar's inclusion in the squad.

Recently, Washington Sundar was included as the 16th member of the squad despite Axar Patel already on the bench. Sundar is coming on the back of a fantastic hundred in the Ranji Trophy for state team Tamil Nadu.

The allrounder scored a classy 152 while batting at No. 3 against Delhi. He did not stop there and went on to pick up six wickets in the match as well. Washington Sundar returned with figures of 3-43 and 3-45 across both the innings of the match.

Also read: KL Rahul and Sarfaraz Khan fighting in team India reveals Ryan ten Doeschate

Ryan ten Doeschate gives a big update on Washington Sundar's inclusion

During a press conference ahead of the second Test at Pune, Ryan ten Doeschate revealed that India needed a bowler who could turn the ball away from the left-handers.

Although India already has R Ashwin for that role, the team management was looking for a backup option as well. He also expressed his pleasure to see players getting rewarded for their performance in first-class cricket.

"We have Axar (Patel) in the squad. We wanted to have someone who can take the ball away from the lefties. We want that option. It's good to see guys getting rewarded for Ranji Trophy," Ryan ten Doeschate said.

Ryan Ten Doeschate press conference:

On Washington Sundar: We have Axar in the squad. We wanted to have someone who can take the ball away from the lefties. We want that option. It's good to see guys getting rewarded for Ranji trophy. pic.twitter.com/Qyfir2sizl

— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) October 22, 2024

R Ashwin is fit - Ryan ten Doeschate

The former Dutch international made it clear that Ashwin is fit to play the next match. He admitted that the Bengaluru pitch wasn't suitable for India's spinners but they will do well in Pune if the pitch offers a turn.

"We have to say Rachin (Ravindra) and Tim (Southee) played really well. Yes, the pitch wasn't exactly suitable for our spinners. But if it does help them here I am sure our spinners will do well. Bengaluru was an aberration. He's (R Ashwin) absolutely fine fitness-wise. No niggle," Ryan ten Doeschate added.

On spinners: We have to say Rachin and Tim played really well. Yes, the pitch wasn't exactly suitable for our spinners. But if it does help them here I am sure our spinners will do well. Bengaluru was an aberration.

On Ashwin: He's absolutely fine fitness wise. No niggle.

— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) October 22, 2024

Spinners' performance in the Bengaluru Test

The Bengaluru Test was one of the most expensive Tests for the spinners in India. Indian spinners conceded runs at an economy rate of 4.83, which is the worst for them at home where they have bowled more than 300 balls.

Overall, spinners from both teams conceded runs at 4.93 runs per over, which is the second-highest for a Test match where more than 600 balls were bowled. The highest run rate recorded in a match was in the Lahore Test between Pakistan and India in 2006, where spinners from both teams conceded 5.13 runs per over.

The upcoming Test in Pune is likely to be a slow-turning pitch and will assist India's spinners more. But New Zealand have some good spinners in their ranks as well and it will be interesting to see how India performs in this match.