Sundar was not in the scheme of things for India's Test team but Gambhir certainly had other opinions
During the ongoing IND vs NZ Test, India all-rounder Washington Sundar put up a stellar bowling display as he registered his maiden Test fifer.
However, his inclusion in the squad for the ongoing Test series against the Kiwis happened rather shockingly.
Following a stellar batting performance in the Ranji Trophy where Sundar slammed a deft knock of 150, he was overnight added to the Indian team ahead of the second Test. Sundar was not in the scheme of things for India’s Test team but Gambhir certainly had other opinions.
While India coach Gambhir surprised a lot of fans and critics by slotting Washington in the playing XI, the 25-year-old justified his selection by running through the New Zealand batting lineup and finishing with a 7-wicket haul.
Following Sundar’s heroics, reactions started pouring in on social media with fans crediting Gambhir with the masterstroke while lauding the India youngster’s efforts.
Let’s check some of the reactions below.
One good thing about Gautam Gambhir is, if he feels someone is required and has the potential to deliver, he bypasses the process and call him.
— Sujeet Suman (@sujeetsuman1991) October 24, 2024
Washington Sundar was never in Team India scheme of things for test matches but he was called and he deliveredpic.twitter.com/3wp4cLk6TC
A PROUD COACH…!!!!
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 24, 2024
– Washi is the hero of India at Pune. 👑 pic.twitter.com/82xX8q5Rrh
7/59 FOR WASHINGTON SUNDAR ON DAY 1 OF A TEST MATCH 🔥🔥🔥
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) October 24, 2024
Gautam Gambhir is clapping for him. What a selection 🇮🇳❤️❤️❤️#INDvNZ #tapmad #DontStopStreaming pic.twitter.com/btrDwFPIkp
What a performance this from @Sundarwashi5
— Prasanna (@prasannalara) October 24, 2024
Many would have questioned his inclusion. Another master stroke from Gambhir and his management team.
Gambhir era 🔥
— ….🌶 (@thalabheem23) October 24, 2024
Brilliant bowling by Sundar 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/x5A1X7yZas
Guru Gautam Gambhir mindset ❤️🫡
— Gauti Harshit Dhiman (GG Ka Parivar) (@GautiDhiman) October 24, 2024
Washington Sundar was playing domestic & gets selected in the team and got the chance to play this Test Match and he picked 7 wickets today – Huge credit to Coach ,Captain & Management.@GautamGambhir is a happy man today 😇❤️ pic.twitter.com/xYklxKgTeu
#IndvNZ BOWLED!
— Anurag Sinha (@anuragsinha1992) October 24, 2024
7 wickets for Sundar..
Super delighted…
Gambhir says " Shabaash " when Indian team returns to the dressing room..
Brilliant Crowd reaction…
NZ 259/10 pic.twitter.com/HmB9P99p47
The Art The Artist #INDvNZ | Gautam Gambhir | Washington Sundar pic.twitter.com/WllHpQzgPh
— Halfblood (@halfbloodpkb) October 24, 2024
Washington Sundar said, "I'm very grateful to Rohit bhai and Gauti bhai. It's an unbelievable feeling to be back playing Test cricket for India". pic.twitter.com/CyXxhYxGJd
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 24, 2024
Speaking about the match, Sundar’s sensational bowling bundled out New Zealand for a relatively average total of 259.
Apart from Sundar’s seven wickets, Ravichandran Ashwin picked the remaining three scalps. For the Kiwis, Devon Conway top-scored with a 76 while Rachin Ravindra also made a crucial contribution of 65 runs.
Sundar’s performance will definitely boost the morale of the Indian team, who are currently 1-0 down in the three-match series and have given India a solid chance to establish an upper hand.
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At the end of Day 1’s play, India trail by 243 runs with 9 wickets in hand, having lost skipper Rohit Sharma to a nine-ball duck.
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