The selection of Washington Sundar into the Indian squad for the second Test against New Zealand sparked considerable debate, with opinions divided among fans and cricket experts. Gautam Gambhir, the head coach, backed Sundar's inclusion, while veteran cricketer Sunil Gavaskar initially criticized the decision. Gavaskar questioned the logic of replacing Kuldeep Yadav, suggesting that Sundar's selection indicated concerns about the team's batting. However, Sundar's impressive performance, taking seven wickets for 59 runs, has seemingly silenced his critics and vindicated Gambhir's support.
Rohit Sharma, India's captain, revealed that the decision to include Sundar was influenced by the number of left-handed batsmen in the New Zealand lineup, with the intention that Sundar's off-spin would be an advantage. Gambhir echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for a bowler who could take the ball away from left-handers. Gavaskar, however, argued that if the presence of left-handers was the primary concern, Kuldeep Yadav, a left-arm wrist spinner, would have been a more suitable choice. He believed that Sundar's inclusion was primarily due to his batting ability.
Despite the criticism, Gambhir stood firm in his decision, having been impressed by Sundar's recent performances in the Ranji Trophy tournament, including a knock of 152 and a six-wicket match haul. Gambhir has been a long-time supporter of Sundar.
Sundar's strong performance in the Test match served as a response to the criticism, highlighting his value to the team with both bat and ball. His figures were his career-best in first-class cricket, achieved in his first Test appearance since March 2021. Following Sundar's performance, Gambhir applauded the youngster from the dressing room.
The incident underscores the complexities of team selection and the contrasting perspectives that exist within the cricketing fraternity. While Gavaskar's initial skepticism stemmed from a perceived imbalance in the team's composition, Sundar's performance validated the team management's strategy and Gambhir's faith in the player's abilities. This situation also highlights the importance of clear communication and trust between the coach, captain, and players, especially during transitional phases.
