The first day of the second Test match against New Zealand, which started in Pune, was full of ups and downs for Team India captain Rohit Sharma and coach Gautam Gambhir. After losing the first match, Team India came with the intention of making a comeback in the second match. Three changes were made in the playing eleven, in which the most discussed was about spin-all-rounder Washington Sundar, who was included in place of Kuldeep Yadav. From the beginning, everyone from common fans to veteran cricketers and commentators raised questions on this decision of Rohit-Gambhir, but Sundar proved everyone wrong with his brilliant performance. One of them is former great batsman Sunil Gavaskar, who first criticized Sundar’s selection but within a few hours reversed course and called it an excellent decision.
In this test match being played at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune, the entire England team was all out for just 259 runs on the first day. In this, Sundar took maximum 7 wickets, which is his best performance not only in Test cricket but in his entire first class career. Apart from him, veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin also took 3 wickets and despite losing the toss, played an important role in giving a good start to Team India. However, by the end of the first and second sessions, there was only one thing on everyone’s lips – the decision to choose Sundar instead of Kuldeep was completely wrong.
Former Indian captain and commentator in this match Sunil Gavaskar had also raised questions on this decision. In fact, Team India coach Gautam Gambhir had said a day before the match that Sundar was included in the team because he can be effective against the left-handed batsmen included in the New Zealand team. Gavaskar was not ready to accept this argument. The former veteran opener said during the commentary that Sundar was selected because of his batting rather than his bowling because Team India got scared due to the batting collapse in the last Test.
Gavaskar even said that if he had his way, he would have chosen Kuldeep Yadav, who might not be able to bat like Sundar but could definitely make some contribution with the bat. However, at the end of the second session, Sundar made a comeback by taking 2 important wickets including that of Rachin Ravindra and then in the third session, he took 5 more wickets and reduced New Zealand to 259 runs. Apparently, after Sundar’s performance, the voices raising questions were suppressed or changed. Gavaskar was no different and his tone also changed. After Sundar took 5 wickets, Gavaskar called it a powerful and inspiring selection during the commentary.
Now, with his performance, Sundar proved everyone wrong and his captain-coach right, but for Rohit, the day ended once again trapped in a circle of questions. After failing in the series against Bangladesh and failing to do anything special in the last Test, questions are being raised on Rohit’s form, which continued this time too. At the end of the day, Team India came to bat in its first innings but the Indian captain got out in the third over itself and returned to the pavilion. Rohit faced 9 balls but could not even open the account.
