Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir talked about the inclusion of Washington Sundar in the Indian squad ahead of the second Test against New Zealand. India trails the three-Test series 0-1 and the second match will be played in Pune’s MCA Stadium from October 24 onwards.

Sundar was called up to the team after India's loss to the Blackcaps in Bengaluru, following a strong start to the domestic season with Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said on Tuesday that including the all-rounder was not a desperate move, and Gambhir would agree.

During the pre-match press conference, Gambhir stated that Sundar was called into the lineup due to the New Zealand team having an abundance of left-handed batting options.

"We just felt that they have 4 or 5 left-handers in the playing XI as well. So if we want another bowler who can take the ball away from the left-handers, it's always going to be useful for us as well. But we haven't decided what's going to be our playing XI. We feel that with the 2 openers and one left-hander in the middle. Washington can give us more control and he is a good option for us," said Gambhir during the presser.

Gambhir went on to suggest that if Sundar plays the Pune Test, he will provide an entirely other dimension to the squad. However, India's coach stated that they have still to decide on playing XI for the encounter, which begins on Thursday.

"We know that Washington Sundar is a quality player. We know what he brings to the table. If he does play tomorrow, he brings a completely different dimension, brings control for us and he can bat in the lower middle-order. So it's all about taking the ball away if we want to. But we still have another finger spinner in Axar and then a wrist spinner in Kuldeep. We will take a call after taking a look at the wicket," said Gambhir.

Washington Sundar last played a Test for India in 2021, against England. Overall, he has played 4 Tests scored 265 runs, and has taken 6 wickets.

(PTI inputs)