Washington Sundar starred with the ball for India on Day 1 of the second Test against New Zealand at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune.
Playing his first Test in more than three years, Sundar claimed a seven-wicket haul (7-59) with his off-spin, dismissing the likes of Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips and Tom Blundell. His exceptional display with the ball helped India bundle out the Kiwis for just 259 in the first innings.
After the day’s play, Sundar came to address a press conference, where he sounded quite pleased with his performance and called the delivery to dismiss Ravindra "a dream ball."
"Everything had happened today was pleasing, right from the start, getting to play this game, getting to make a comeback into the Test squad, a lot of things mean a lot to me and mean special. I don't think I'll ever forget this day, it is so special," Sundar told reporters.
Commenting on Ravindra’s dismissal, the all-rounder said, "It was a dream ball. I mean, I just wanted to hit the right areas, we knew there would be something to offer for the spinners. Things like that, when it happens, it means a lot. It was magical for sure."
"Honestly, it's all God's plan. It's all his plan. As I said, I just wanted to really focus on every ball and give my 100 per cent every ball, right from the start of the day," he added.
At one stage, New Zealand were going strong at 179/3 but Washington Sundar stepped up to the plate and picked up the final seven wickets to put India in driver’s seat.
"The ball became soft, so we had to get more speed and body into the ball. We and Ashwin kept talking about it, that way we got Conway out as well, glad I was able to do it. I did not change too many things, we expected there would be something for the spinners, we just wanted to hit the right areas," Sundar stated.
"Last week has been special, I got to play the Ranji Trophy. I am really grateful for the opportunity that I got today. To be called in the middle of the series and to get an opportunity to play, really grateful for the captain and the coach," he further remarked.
Ravichandran Ashwin took the remaining three wickets of the New Zealand innings. In the process, he became the leading wicket-taker in World Test Championship (WTC) history.
India ended the opening day at 16/1, with Shubman Gill (10*) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (6*) at the crease. Skipper Rohit Sharma was the only batter to get out as he was dismissed by Tim Southee for a nine-ball duck.
