Following India’s loss in the opening Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made a key addition to the squad for the remainder of the series.
Spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar has been included in the Indian squad ahead of the second Test in Pune. Sundar, who last played a Test match against England in March 2021, has been in good form recently. He scored 152 runs for Tamil Nadu in their ongoing Ranji Trophy match against Delhi and took two wickets.
Despite the presence of spin-bowling all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin in the squad, Sundar’s inclusion adds depth. With Rishabh Pant’s participation in the second Test uncertain, there is speculation that Sundar could replace Kuldeep Yadav, providing more batting options.
Rohit Sharma remains hopeful for a stronger performance from the team after their eight-wicket defeat in Bengaluru. With World Test Championship (WTC) points on the line and an upcoming series against Australia, the team will look to bounce back.
India’s updated squad for the second and third Test against New Zealand includes: Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Akash Deep, and Washington Sundar.