Vikrant Shekhawat : Oct 24, 2024, 07:00 AM
IND vs NZ: The second Test match between India and New Zealand in Pune is getting closer, and there is a great news for the fans of the Indian team. Even though Team India is on the backfoot after losing the first match, there are still two matches left in the series and India has many chances to reach the final of the World Test Championship. Meanwhile, the return of a star player in the Indian team is almost certain, which can prove to be important for this match. We are talking about Washington Sundar, whose return can prove to be a game changer for the team.Washington Sundar: Return to Test after three yearsWashington Sundar played his last Test in March 2021 against England in Ahmedabad. Since then he has not played any Test match for India. Even when the BCCI announced the team for the New Zealand series, Sundar's name was not included in the team. But after India's defeat in the first Test match, Sundar was suddenly included in the team. This move is a bit unusual, as it is rarely seen that a new player is included after the announcement of the team for the entire series. With this entry of Sundar, his chances of playing are almost certain.Pune's spin-friendly pitch: Strategy behind Sundar's returnThe Pune pitch is considered helpful for spin bowlers, and that is why Washington Sundar's entry is considered important. In the first Test, New Zealand's fast bowlers troubled the Indian batsmen a lot, where the Indian team was reduced to just 46 runs in the first innings. But the Pune pitch is likely to have a greater spin effect, which will give the Indian batsmen a chance to perform better and spinners can also get help from the pitch. Sundar's off-spin and his impressive batting can prove to be decisive for India in this Test.Sundar's batting average: Better than KL RahulWashington Sundar is not only a great spinner, but his batting is also a strong option for the Indian team. Sundar has scored 265 runs in four Tests so far, including three half-centuries. His highest score is 96 not out, and his Test average is 66.25, which is no less than any pure batsman. Even his average is better than KL Rahul. Sundar has batted at a strike rate of 52.78, which proves that he is a strong batting option and can also make significant contributions in the lower order.Rohit Sharma's foolproof planWith the return of Washington Sundar, captain Rohit Sharma has prepared a strong plan for the team. The Indian team will try to put pressure on New Zealand with its strong spin attack in spin-friendly conditions. Both Sundar's bowling and batting can play an important role in this plan. His all-rounder abilities will give the team additional options, giving Rohit and the team management flexibility in strategy.ConclusionThe Pune Test of India vs New Zealand is going to be exciting, where the return of Washington Sundar can prove to be a game changer for the Indian team. Their combination of spin bowling and strong batting can play an important role in this match. For the Indian team, this match is not only an opportunity to make a comeback in the series, but also an opportunity to strengthen their path to reach the final of the World Test Championship.