'We Wanted to Make Sure...': Ryan ten Doeschate Reveals Why India Called Up Washington Sundar

Team India made one addition to their squad ahead of the second Test against New Zealand to be played in Pune on Thursday, November 24, with Washington Sundar making his return to the red-ball side.

The Indian assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, opened up on the team management’s decision to call up the 25-year-old all-rounder who last played a Test for India in March 2021.

Ten Doeschate said the addition of Washington Sundar is “no desperate measure” but to add a bowling option who would take the ball away from the Kiwi left-handers.

“Definitely not. They (New Zealand) are filled with four left-handers in the XI. We’ve had Washy around the white-ball squad for a while and we like the way he operates. It’s also nice to see that guys are getting rewarded for Ranji Trophy performance as well,” the assistant coach shared, as quoted by PTI.

“We just want to make sure we’re absolutely prepared for conditions here and if that does mean taking the ball away from the left-hander, we want that option,” he added.

Sundar has also been in fine form with the bat, having scored 152 runs for Tamil Nadu when promoted up the order against Delhi in the most recent Ranji Trophy fixture.

He has also shown the tenacity to go up against tougher opposition, as seen during his maiden Test against Australia in Brisbane in 2021. The addition of a third all-rounder will give India that third spin option but also extend their batting order that has struggled in the opening Test in Bengaluru.

India is currently trailing 0-1 after losing the opening Test in Bengaluru. With the series hanging in the balance, along with their undefeated series record at home, the onus will be on Rohit Sharma and Co. to bring in their A-game to ensure that they can get back in the hunt with a win in Pune.

The second Test will be played from October 24 through to October 28 at the Maharashtra Cricket Ground in Pune. Reports have suggested that the pitch will be a slow turning wicket which could see Sundar brought in for Kuldeep as a genuine all-round option.