‘Masterstroke By Guru Gambhir’: Social Media Reacts To Washington Sundar’s Inclusion In Team For IND vs NZ Pune Test

Social media erupted in praise for the Indian team's decision to include Washington Sundar for the second IND vs NZ Test in Pune after his stunning 7-fer on Day 1 of the Test.

IND vs NZ: Washington Sundar became the first Indian bowler to take a five-wicket haul in Tests at Pune.

Source : PTI

Washington Sundar led India’s stunning fightback on Day 1 (October 24) of the ongoing India vs New Zealand 1st Test at the MCA Stadium in Pune. With New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell playing at 197-3, Sundar turned the game on its head as he bagged the remaining seven wickets to help India bundle out the Kiwis for 259 runs. Sundar’s seven-fer brought up his best Test bowling figures.

While Ravichandran Ashwin claimed the first three wickets for India, it was right-arm off-spinner Washington Sundar who excelled on Day 1 of the Pune Test, taking 7 wickets for 59 runs in 23.1 overs. Sundar started his havoc by producing a magical delivery to get rid of the well-set Rachin Ravindra, who looked poised to get his second consecutive century in Tests. From then on, there was no stopping for Sundar who claimed all the remaining wickets of NZ’s batting lineup.

ASLO ON ABP Live | Washington Sundar Bowls Two JAFFAS To Get Rid Of Rachin Ravindra & Tom Blundell On Day 1 Of IND vs NZ Pune Test | WATCH

Washington Sundar Justifies Selection With Brilliant Bowling Figures

Notably, Sundar replaced Kuldeep Yadav, who featured in the first IND vs NZ Test in Bengaluru,  in India’s 11 for the Pune Test. This decision resulted in a lot of chatter on social media with people criticising Indian captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam’s decision to drop Kuldeep and play Sundar, who hadn’t played a Test in over three overs.

However, with an impressive seven wickets, Sundar justified his selection as he became the first Indian bowler to take a five-wicket haul in Pune in Tests. Social media erupted again, however this time the users applauded Indian team's move to play Sundar. A user wrote, “Washington Sundar was brought back out of nowhere and picked in the playing XI. And what happens next? He delivers one of the greatest spells, picks 7 wickets and breaks the back of New Zealand’s batting unit. Yet another masterstroke by Guru Gautam Gambhir.”

Here’s a look at the social media reactions on Washington Sundar’s 7-fer against NZ:

Washington Sundar was brought back out of nowhere and picked in the playing XI.

And what happens next?

He delivers one of the greatest spells, picks 7 wickets and breaks the back of New Zealand’s batting unit.

Yet another masterstroke by Guru @GautamGambhir 🫡 pic.twitter.com/1lEHRntCiC

— Madhav Sharma (@HashTagCricket) October 24, 2024

Massive credit to the captain, coach and team management for bringing back Washington Sundar.

- He didn't play a single Test in 3 years and straight away got an opportunity to perform after India lost the first Test. Sundar delivered with a five wicket haul. 👌🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/u0rTRuQ0q1

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 24, 2024

NEW ZEALAND 197 FOR 3 IN THE FIRST INNINGS:

- Then, WASHINGTON SUNDAR TOOK 7 WICKETS.

NEW ZEALAND 259 ALL-OUT...!!!#Washingtonsundar #Pushpa2TheRuleOnDec5th pic.twitter.com/aDnCa5o2vq

— Ds Vishen (@DsVishen95) October 24, 2024

Bow down to washington sundar 🔥🔥

- He justified his selection by taking 7 wkt#WashingtonSundar #INDvNZ https://t.co/wvAhGSSZ6S pic.twitter.com/LghnNO7L4i

— Harsh shekhawat (@wordofshekhawat) October 24, 2024

Washington Sundar spinning magic in the air! 🌀🔥 A sensational 7-wicket haul against New Zealand! 🌟@Sundarwashi5#IndvsNZ #WashingtonSundar #CricketLegend #SpinningMasterclass pic.twitter.com/nwHf4DNtvB

— M.S Atikant Kumar⚕️ (@AtikantKumar2) October 24, 2024

Washington Sundar celebrations and showing the ball after picked 7 wickets haul.

- SUNDAR, THE HERO OF INDIA. ⭐️
Thala for reason 77777777#WashingtonSundar #INDvNZ #2ndtest pic.twitter.com/uNtsdkaSNd

— Manish (@Mani8sh) October 24, 2024

SUNDAR MAGIC IN PUNE. 🥶

- What a ball to dismiss Rachin#WashingtonSundar #INDvsNZ#rachinravindra pic.twitter.com/HSIsZ8pRqn

— सौरभ मिश्र (@Saurabh89851634) October 24, 2024