Former captain Sunil Gavaskar described Washington Sundar's inclusion in the second Test against New Zealand as an "inspired selection". This was after he had slammed the Indian team management for this move after New Zealand won the toss and chose to bat first in Pune Test.

Sundar replaced Kuldeep Yadav in the critical encounter at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune.

Gavaskar and Anil Kumble had questioned Sundar's selection, suggesting Kuldeep Yadav would have been a better choice.

Gavaskar commented, "The selection of Washington Sundar tells me that the Indian team was worried about their batting. He is in not just because of his off-spin but because he can get more runs at the lower order."

Despite initial criticism, Sundar put up an outstanding effort, capturing his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket and posting his best stats in the format. Sundar removed several key New Zealand hitters during the Test, including Rachin Ravindra, Tom Blundell, and Glenn Phillips. He took his fifth wicket by bowling out Tim Southee.

At this point, Gavaskar, who was commentating, said, "What an inspired selection. He is picked in the XI because he can bat a little bit, bowl a little bit.”

Sundar added two more wickets and ended with career-best Test figures of 7/59 as New Zealand was bundled out for 259 runs in the first innings of the second Test.

(Times of India inputs)