Washington Sundar's inclusion in the second Test against New Zealand was termed as an "inspired selection" by former captain Sunil Gavaskar. Sundar replaced Kuldeep Yadav for the crucial match at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. Despite initial criticism, Sundar delivered an impressive performance, taking his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket and achieving his best figures in the format.
During the Test, Sundar dismissed key New Zealand batters including Rachin Ravindra, Tom Blundell, and Glenn Phillips. He took his fifth wicket by bowling out Tim Southee. At this point, Gavaskar, who was commentating, said, "What an inspired selection. He is picked in the XI because he can bat a little bit, bowl a little bit.”
