Sunil Gavaskar Makes Stunning U-Turn On Washington Sundar Selection After 'Panic' Verdict

25.10.2024 - 02:49 sports.ndtv.com

Legendary India batter Sunil Gavaskar made a stunning U-turn after initially criticising the decision to include Washington Sundar in place of Kuldeep Yadav for the second Test match against New Zealand on Thursday.

Washington was added to the India squad after the loss in the first Test match in Bengaluru and his inclusion in the playing XI prompted Gavaskar to say that it was a 'panic' decision.

However, the all-rounder produced a stunning performance and took seven wickets to put India in control. Even Gavaskar was impressed with his performance and on commentary, the legend remarked - "What an inspired selection.

He is picked in the XI because he can bat a little bit, bowl a little bit.” Earlier, Gavaskar was not convinced with India's decision to make three changes to their playing XI.

cricket India Cricket Team New Zealand Cricket Team Washington Sundar 2024 Rohit Sharma Kuldeep Yadav Sunil Gavaskar Washington New Zealand India

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar expressed dissapointment with Team India's batting during their shambolic loss to New Zealand in the second Test at Pune, which led to the hosts' first-ever series loss at home in 12 years. Indian batters got the taste of their own medicine as the Kiwi spin attack led by Mitchell Santner, who took 13 wickets in the match, trapped the hosts in their own spin trap and defeated India by 113 runs to secure the series 2-0 with a game to go.

India To Face Major 'Bowling' Crisis In Near Future? Report Makes Grim Claim

India's qualification for the World Test Championship final in June next year is hanging in balance and even if they make the grade for the third consecutive time, it will be a massive surprise if skipper Rohit Sharma stays available for the next two-year WTC cycle. Ditto for Ravichandran Ashwin, who will be 41 by then. Ravindra Jadeja and Virat Kohli, the two supremely fit men, will be 39. The embarrassing Test series defeat at home against New Zealand has already triggered a debate around the effectiveness of a few seniors. Ravi Shastri could only empathize with Gambhir. "New Zealand have beaten them (India) handsomely in both the Test matches. It's food for thought (on series loss). He (Gambhir) has just taken over the job. It's never easy being coach of a team that has such a big following," Shastri said while commentating during the second Test in Pune.

"There Will Be Cracks In Team": Ex-India Star's Blunt Warning After Pune Test Loss

Former India batter Manoj Tiwary has criticised captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir after the Test series loss to New Zealand on Saturday. Rohit and co's loss to the Kiwis in the second Pune Test marked the end of an 18-series winning streak at home for Team India. Following the embarrassing loss, Rohit and Gambhir have come under the scanner for their approach and team selection. During a discussion, Tiwary warned Rohit and Gambhir of "cracks in the dressing room."

Gautam Gambhir's Strict Stance After Pune Loss: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli And Co Lose 'Privilege'

The Indian cricket team's losses in the first two Tests against New Zealand has sent shockwaves in the entire cricketing spectrum. The series loss against the Kiwis means that the Indian team suffered a home loss for the first time in 12 years, having previously been outplayed by England in 2012. In the wake of the results from the first two Tests, the team management has reportedly taken a stern step, cancelling the 'optional training' session for everyone, including senior stars like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, as well as pacers like Jasprit Bumrah.

India "Made Things Harder": On India's WTC Final Qualification After NZ Series Loss, Anil Kumble Says This

Former cricketer Anil Kumble reacted to India's disappointing defeat to New Zealand in the second Test of the series in Pune, stating that India's batting has let the hosts down. Tom Latham's New Zealand side made history by defeating Rohit Sharma's team by 113 runs at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on Saturday, securing their first-ever series win in India. This loss marks India's first home Test series defeat since 2012, ending an 18-series unbeaten streak--the longest home winning sequence for any team.

Rohit Sharma's "12 Saal Mein Ekbar Allowed" Comment After India's Series Loss vs New Zealand Criticised Heavily

India succumbed to its first-ever Test series loss at home in 12 years on Saturday after New Zealand thrashed them by 113 runs in the second Test. The last time India lost a Test series at home, it was against Alastair Cook-led England in 2012. Left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner weaved magic with his 6-104 in the second innings on Saturday as New Zealand did the unimaginable by clinching a historic Test series win in India for the first time with a 113-run victory over the hosts. Santner, who took 7-53 in the first innings, rattled India yet again with a remarkable spell of 6-104 to end up with match figures of 13-157, the third-best match figures for a bowler from his country in Tests.