'Lone warrior' Washington Sundar picks perfect 10 vs New Zealand in Pune Test

Washington Sundar emerged as Indian bowling's lone warrior in the 2nd Test vs New Zealand. The off-spinner has picked 10 wickets so far in both innings.

In Short

• Washington Sundar picked 10 wickets in 2nd Test vs New Zealand
• Sundar leads the bowling charge as India far behind in the match
• The off-spinner registered the 2nd best figures by an Indian bowler at home

Washington Sundar emerged as Indian bowling's lone warrior on Day 2 of the 2nd Test against New Zealand at the Maharashtra Cricket Stadium in Pune on October 25, Friday. By picking 10 wickets in the match so far, he registered the 2nd best figures by an Indian bowler since 2018 in a home Test. Sundar took three more wickets during New Zealand's 2nd innings, accounting for Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell and Rachin Ravindra's wickets. Earlier in the first innings, Sundar picked his career-best figures of 7/59.

The 2nd Test might be slipping out of India's hands with the threat of series defeat looming large on India. Nonetheless, Sundar continues to impress by providing crucial breakthroughs. With the ten wickets, he is just behind Axar Patel's 11/70 for the best match figures by an Indian bowler in home Tests. While the other Indian bowlers continue to struggle to pick wickets, Sundar has managed to outfox the Kiwi batters with his spin.

Sundar spins his magic

A Test to remember for Washington Sundar

On Day 1, Sundar made a stunning impact with a delivery that left a well-set Rachin Ravindra completely bewildered. He replicated this success in the second innings. Following the departure of the southpaw, the visitors faced a daunting challenge as Washington Sundar claimed six more wickets, disrupting the middle and lower order. He was the only Indian bowler to take wickets alongside Ashwin.

The team management was questioned when India made three changes to the playing XI for the 2nd Test. Washington Sundar replaced Kuldeep Yadav as the third spinner and Shubman Gill, alongside Akash Deep, made a return to the playing XI for the Pune Test. Out of all the changes, Sundar's selection raised more eyebrows as he was returning to the Test side after three years owing to injuries.

However, Sundar made the opportunity count by registering his career-best figures of 7/59 and leading India's charge in bundling New Zealand out for 259 runs.