‘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.

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: