Sunil Gavaskar, a legendary Indian batsman, did a surprise U-turn after first criticizing the choice to play Washington Sundar instead of Kuldeep Yadav in the second Test against New Zealand on Thursday. Washington was recruited to India’s squad following the loss in the first Test in Bengaluru, prompting Gavaskar to call it a ‘panic’ choice. However, the all-rounder delivered a standout effort, taking seven wickets to put India in command. Even Gavaskar was thrilled by his performance, and during commentary, the legend said, “What an excellent selection. He is selected for the XI because he can bat and bowl.
Previously, Gavaskar was not convinced by India’s choice to make three changes to their starting XI. KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav, and Mohammed Siraj were all dropped for the second Test, with Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar, and Akash Deep replacing them. “It appears that Team India made a panic choice. “You don’t make three changes to your squad very often,” Gavaskar said on the broadcast following the toss on Thursday.
India is behind the three-match series 0-1 after losing the opening Test by eight wickets last week. Rohit Sharma and his teammates were bowled out for 46 in the first innings of the Bengaluru Test. “I don’t see many teams making three changes unless there’s an injury worry. Washington Sundar, for example, expresses concern over their batting. More than his bowling, they need his batting down the order to provide a cushion,” Gavaskar observed. A left-hander,” Gavaskar said.