Tamil Nadu off-spinner Washington Sundar joined the Indian Test specialists who are currently preparing for the two Tests against New Zealand which begin on November 25 in Kanpur and December 3 in Mumbai.   

While the Men in Blue will play three T20I games against New Zealand from November 17 onwards, the red-ball specialists are sweating it out in the MCA’s BKC facility in Bandra, Mumbai.

Sundar has been out of action since injuring his finger on the tour of England and missed the second half of the IPL 2021 and the T20 World Cup 2021 in UAE as well. The left-handed all-rounder was seen taking some throwdowns but didn’t bat or bowl.

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"The selectors are hoping that he'd be fit for the first Test in South Africa, which kicks off on December 17 in Johannesburg. He's a crucial cog in the wheel, especially as he bats so well and adds strength to the lower order. The team missed him badly in the T20 World Cup," a source told TOI.

Sundar made his Test debut on the Australia tour earlier this year and performed excellently well against England at home. He has 265 runs in four Tests with three half-centuries to his name and has taken 6 wickets as well.

(Times of India inputs)