Washington Sundar Added to India's Squad for Tests Against New Zealand
India’s Updated Squad
India has announced the inclusion of spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar in their squad for the second and third Tests against New Zealand, set to take place in Pune and Mumbai. Sundar, who has previously represented India in four Tests, made his debut in 2021 during the historic win at the Gabba in Brisbane.
India’s Updated Squad
The updated squad for the upcoming Tests includes:
- Rohit Sharma (Captain)
- Jasprit Bumrah (Vice-Captain)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- KL Rahul
- Sarfaraz Khan
- Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper)
- Dhruv Jurel (Wicketkeeper)
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Axar Patel
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mohd. Siraj
- Akash Deep
- Washington Sundar
Sundar’s Form and Impact
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) made the announcement following Sundar's remarkable performance in the Ranji Trophy, where he scored an impressive 152 runs against Delhi while batting at No. 3. This innings highlighted his capabilities not just as a bowler but also as a reliable lower-order batsman.
Sundar's addition bolsters India’s spin-bowling arsenal, which now includes Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel. His all-round abilities will provide the team with additional batting depth, particularly after their dismal first innings performance of 46 runs in the opening Test against New Zealand, marking a rare home defeat.
Upcoming Fixtures
Washington Sundar is expected to join the Indian squad in Pune ahead of the second Test, scheduled to commence on October 24. The team will look to bounce back strongly after their recent loss and capitalize on the home advantage with a formidable spin attack.