Playing his first Test in over three years, Washington Sundar announced his arrival in the longest format in style as he returned with his best numbers in the ongoing second Test against New Zealand at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune. Sundar, who replaced Kuldeep Yadav in the starting XI, returned with a record of 7/59, dismissing the likes of Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips and Tom Blundell. Sundar’s exceptional bowling performance helped India defeat New Zealand by just 259 in the first innings.

Sundar, who attended the post-day press conference in Pune, was visibly happy after his performance and even described Rachin Ravindra’s dismissal as “a dream ball”.

“Everything that happened today was pleasing from the start, being able to play this game, making a comeback in the Test team, a lot of things mean a lot and are special to me. I don’t think I will.” “I will never forget this day, it is so special,” said Sundar.

Speaking about Rachin Ravindra’s wicket, Sundar said: “It was a dream ball. I just wanted to hit the right areas, we knew there would be something for the spinners. Things like that, when it happens, it definitely means a lot.

“Honestly, it’s all God’s plan. It’s all his plan. Like I said, I really wanted to focus on every ball and give 100 percent on every ball from the start of the day,” he added.

Sundar sparks New Zealand’s collapse in the first innings

At one point New Zealand were strong at 179/3 but Sundar rose to the occasion and took the last seven wickets in the innings to put the visitors on even par at this turning point.

“The ball became soft, so we had to put more speed and body into the ball. We and Ashwin kept talking about it, that’s how we got Conway out too, I’m glad I did that. I didn’t change too much. “We expected there to be something for the spinners, we just wanted to hit the right areas,” Washington said.

“Last week was special, I got to play in the Ranji Trophy. I’m really grateful for the opportunity I got today. “To be called up in the middle of the series and given the opportunity to play, really grateful to the captain and the coach,” he added.

Apart from Sundar, Ravichandran Ashwin was the other bowler to get among the wickets and the veteran spinner returned with three wickets. In the process, Ashwin also became the leading wicket-taker in the history of the World Test Championship (WTC).

Ashwin also surpassed Nathan Lyon’s Test wicket tally and is now the second highest wicket-taker when it comes to off-spinners in Tests.

Talking about the ongoing game, India managed to post a score of 16/1 at stumps on the first day with Shubman Gill (10*) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (6*) at the wicket.