In a crucial move, India has added all-rounder Washington Sundar to its Test squad for the upcoming two matches against New Zealand. This decision comes after a challenging first match, where Indian spinners struggled to take wickets, most notably veteran Ravichandran Ashwin.
As India eyes the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Sundar’s inclusion appears to address several concerns.
One of the key factors driving Sundar’s selection is the abundance of left-handed batsmen in New Zealand’s lineup, including Tom Latham, Devon Conway, and Rachin Ravindra. The Indian management likely feels that a left-arm spinner, such as Ravindra Jadeja, may find it harder to trouble left-handers, whereas Sundar, with his off-spin, may offer a strategic advantage.
In addition to strengthening the bowling attack, Sundar’s batting ability offers the team an extra option in the lower order, which seems necessary given the conditions in the first match. The current pace attack also appears to be in flux.
While Jasprit Bumrah performed well, Mohammad Siraj has not been as effective as expected. This puts pressure on the team to find a balance, particularly when Ashwin’s recent form and potential fitness issues have limited his usual dominance.
Interestingly, in the second innings of the first Test, Rohit Sharma did not rely on Ashwin as early as he usually would, which raises questions about Ashwin’s current role.
In previous matches, Ashwin has typically been brought into the attack within the first five overs, but this time, that didn’t happen. Whether this is a tactical shift or a reflection of Ashwin’s form remains to be seen.
As for Sundar’s role, it is not yet clear whether he will play, but his inclusion is a positive sign for India as they look to strengthen their lineup and address key weaknesses. With the series on the line and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy looming, every decision will be under scrutiny as the team navigates its path forward.
