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IND vs NZ, 2nd Test: Why Washington Sundar Is Playing In Place Of Kuldeep Yadav?

Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav [Source: @academy_dinda,@RevSportzGlobal/x.com]Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav [Source: @academy_dinda,@RevSportzGlobal/x.com]

India is taking on New Zealand in the second Test of the three-match series at the MCA Cricket Stadium in Pune. During the toss of the game, the New Zealand skipper, Tom Latham, won and decided to bat first. 

While New Zealand made only one change to its playing XI from the first match, India made three changes. Mitchell Santner replaced Matt Henry for New Zealand, and India rested KL Rahul, Mohammed Siraj, and Kuldeep Yadav, bringing in Shubhman Gill, Akash Deep, and Washington Sundar. 

While KL Rahul and Mohammed Siraj's form might justify their snub from the playing XI, Kuldeep Yadav's being rested might have surprised a few fans and followers. Let us try to see why India decided to play Washington Sundar instead of Kuldeep Yadav. 

Nature of the Pune Pitch

During the pitch report ahead of the game, Simon Doull and Dinesh Karthik said the spinners on the wicket will get help from Day 1. So, by the third or the fourth day of the match, the spinners might play a crucial role in deciding the fate of the match. In this case, someone like Washington Sundar can do the job for India and might not need Kuldeep Yadav's expertise to turn the ball in the wicket. 

Batting performance in the first match and Sundar's form

In the first Test, India suffered a collapse in the first Innings and were bundled out for just 46 runs. That collapse might and Washington Sundar's current form with the bat might have induced the management to include him and add to their batting depth. Sundar is coming into this after a stellar 152 off 269 deliveries against Delhi in the Ranji Trophy. 

Countering Rachin Ravindra

In the first match, Indian progress was primarily hindered by the brilliant knock played by Rachin Ravindra. The young Kiwi batter handled the Indian spinners with great efficiency. With Ravindra being a left-handed batter, Sundar's off-spin might be a potent option against him. Besides, New Zealand has three other left-handed batters: Devon Conway, Tom Latham and Mitchell Santner. With Washington Sundar joining with Ravi Ashwin, India might have a more potent attack in this game.