Cricket

After suffering a disappointing eight-wicket defeat in the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru, Team India has made a strategic change by adding Washington Sundar to their squad for the remaining two Tests. Sundar, a right-arm off-spinner and left-handed batsman, was not initially included in the squad or even the reserves.Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has analyzed the rationale behind Sundar's inclusion. He noted that Sundar's recent century for Tamil Nadu against Delhi may have played a role. However, Chopra also raised concerns about the fitness of R Ashwin, who was brought in to bowl late in the final innings of the Bengaluru Test and bowled only two overs."The question that comes to mind is - what is the Indian team thinking?" Chopra said. "Do they want to play another spinner? There were already plenty of fast bowlers in the traveling reserves. Is Ashwin not fully fit?"Chopra questioned the logic behind not bowling Ashwin more extensively in the fourth innings, suggesting that he may be carrying an injury. "Was it because of that he was given only two overs on the last day?" he asked. "He was bowled when the match was over. It just did not make sense that you don't bowl Ashwin at all."Sundar's inclusion could indicate that the Indian team is considering playing two spinners in the remaining Tests. However, it remains to be seen whether Ashwin's fitness will allow him to play a full role.

Washington Sundar Joins Team India for Second and Third Tests Against New ZealandNew Delhi, India - All-rounder Washington Sundar has been added to the Indian squad for the second and third Test matches against New Zealand. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the updated squad on Sunday.Sundar, who has been in impressive form for Tamil Nadu in the ongoing Ranji Trophy, will join the team in Pune ahead of the second Test. The 23-year-old has played eight Tests for India, scoring 318 runs and taking 25 wickets.The addition of Sundar strengthens India's spin bowling options, which already include Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel. Sundar's ability to bat in the lower order and contribute with the ball makes him a valuable asset to the team.India will be looking to bounce back in the second Test after losing the first match by 10 wickets in Kanpur. The second Test will be played in Mumbai from December 3-7, while the third Test will be held in Indore from December 12-16.

Washington Sundar's seven-year wait for a First Class century ended in dramatic fashion as he guided Tamil Nadu to a strong position against Delhi in the Ranji Trophy. The 25-year-old's knock of 152 at No. 3 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium showcased his versatility and underlined his potential as a top-order batter.Sundar's prolonged absence from the century club was not due to a lack of form, but rather a reflection of his multiple commitments and batting positions for Tamil Nadu and India. Often relegated to the lower order due to his classification as a spin-bowling all-rounder, he has had to settle for cameos rather than substantial innings.However, his recent performances have demonstrated that he possesses the attributes of a quality top-order batter. In his last Test innings against England in 2021, he was stranded on 96 after coming in at No. 8. His century against Delhi further cements his credentials as a reliable and consistent performer in the classical format."It was a decision by the management, and I'm grateful for the opportunity. I knew it was going to be a good opportunity for me to bat at No. 3," Sundar said after the second day's play.Former India coach Ravi Shastri and ex-Tamil Nadu coach W.V. Raman have both expressed their belief that Sundar can be utilized in the top six in Tests. Sundar himself agrees, stating, "Definitely, I always consider myself to be a top-order batter. Hopefully, I can deliver such knocks very consistently. I have been feeling very confident about how I have been batting in the last few years."Sundar's century is a testament to his hard work and dedication. It also highlights the importance of giving players opportunities to showcase their skills in different roles. With his ability to contribute with both bat and ball, Sundar is a valuable asset to any team and has the potential to become a key player for India in the future.

B. Sai Sudharsan's maiden double century in First-Class cricket propelled Tamil Nadu to a dominant start against Delhi in the Ranji Trophy clash at Arun Jaitley Stadium. The 23-year-old opener's unbeaten 202 formed the cornerstone of Tamil Nadu's imposing 379 for one at stumps on day one.Sudharsan's knock was a testament to his exceptional talent and composure. Despite a couple of close calls, he remained unfazed, showcasing his ability to handle pressure with ease. His innings was a blend of aggression and patience, as he punished loose deliveries while respecting the good ones.The opening partnership between Sudharsan and N. Jagadeesan (65) laid the foundation for Tamil Nadu's strong position. The duo put on 168 runs before Jagadeesan was dismissed by Navdeep Saini. Washington Sundar, playing his first Ranji game of the season, then joined Sudharsan and stitched together a second-wicket stand of 211 runs. Sundar remained unbeaten on 96 at the close of play.Delhi's bowling attack lacked penetration, with only Saini managing to break through. The absence of a frontline pacer was evident, as Pranshu Vijayran was forced off the field due to an ankle sprain.Tamil Nadu will be looking to build on their strong start and put themselves in a commanding position on day two. Sudharsan and Sundar will be key to their hopes, as they aim to extend their partnership and pile on the runs.

Washington Sundar Wins India's 'Impact Fielder' Award for T20I Series Against BangladeshRising Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar has been recognized for his exceptional fielding skills, earning the India cricket team's 'Impact Fielder' Award for the recently concluded T20I series against Bangladesh. Sundar's outstanding performance on the field, including three catches and an impressive economy rate of just five runs per over, set him apart from his competitors.India's fielding coach, T Dilip, praised Sundar's remarkable improvement, noting that he appeared as a "different" player in terms of his fielding abilities. Dilip highlighted Sundar's "precision at the boundary line" and his ability to anticipate and cut angles effectively.Sundar's award came after a closely contested competition with Hardik Pandya and Riyan Parag. Pandya was hailed for his high energy levels on the field, while Parag was recognized for his ability to make difficult catches look effortless. However, Sundar's consistent performance and exceptional fielding skills ultimately earned him the top honor.Dilip also commended the collective spirit of the Indian team, emphasizing the importance of intent and energy in their fielding efforts. He praised the team's adaptability and anticipation, which allowed them to overcome challenges posed by different grounds and lighting conditions."When intent meets energy, the eagerness to convert every ball into an opportunity increases," said Dilip. "We were phenomenal in that aspect during this series."Sundar expressed his gratitude for the award, stating that he always strives to give his best on the field. He acknowledged the support of the coaching staff and his teammates, who created a positive and supportive environment.India's victory in the T20I series against Bangladesh marked a dominant 5-0 sweep of the Test and T20I series. The team will now turn their attention to a three-Test home series against New Zealand beginning on October 16, followed by a four-match T20I series in South Africa next month.

Washington Sundar, the Indian all-rounder, has been nominated for the ICC Player of the Month Award for July, alongside England's Gus Atkinson and Scotland's Charlie Cassell. Sundar's nomination is a testament to his recent performances, which have seen him establish himself as a key player for India.Sundar's journey to international recognition has been marked by perseverance and resilience. After battling injuries and spending years on the fringes of the Indian team, he finally broke through in Zimbabwe during a five-match T20I series. With the regular players rested, Sundar seized the opportunity and emerged as the team's leading spin-bowling all-rounder.In the first T20I, Sundar impressed with bowling figures of 2/11 and a valuable contribution of 27 runs. He played a crucial role in India's comeback, helping them turn a 1-0 deficit into a 4-1 series victory. He took six more wickets in the remaining four matches and was named Player of the Match in the third game for his outstanding figures of 3/15. Sundar finished the series as the joint-highest wicket-taker with eight scalps.Sundar's impressive form continued in the subsequent series against Sri Lanka, where he earned the Player of the Match award in the only match he played. In a thrilling Super Over, he showcased his all-around abilities.Meanwhile, Gus Atkinson made a sensational Test debut for England at Lord's, taking 12 wickets in the match. He bagged a five-wicket haul in each innings, including a remarkable 7/45 in the first innings. Atkinson's heroics helped England secure an innings victory by 114 runs.Charlie Cassell, on the other hand, made a record-breaking ODI debut for Scotland against Oman. He claimed a seven-wicket haul (7/21), breaking Kagiso Rabada's nine-year-old record for the best bowling figures on ODI debut. Cassell's dream start included two wickets off his first two deliveries in international cricket. His performance ranked as the 7th-best bowling figures in ODI history.

India's skipper Rohit Sharma has once again captured the spotlight with his antics on the field. This time, it was not a witty remark caught on the stump mic, but a humorous act that left everyone in stitches.During the second ODI against Sri Lanka in Colombo, Washington Sundar pulled back twice in a row while preparing to bowl a delivery. On the first occasion, Rohit, stationed at first slip, remained composed. However, the second time Sundar pulled back, Rohit jokingly ran towards him as if to hit him.The incident was captured on camera and quickly went viral on social media. Rohit's playful gesture showcased his lighthearted nature and his ability to bring a smile to the faces of his teammates and fans alike.Meanwhile, India's spinners, led by Washington Sundar, put the Sri Lankan batters to the test. Sundar claimed three wickets for 30 runs, while Kuldeep Yadav picked up two for 33. The Lankan batters struggled to cope with the spin duo, who exploited the conditions to their advantage.Sri Lanka's innings was anchored by a 72-run partnership between Dunith Wellalage and Kamindu Mendis for the seventh wicket. Wellalage scored 39 runs, while Mendis contributed 40. However, their efforts were not enough to propel Sri Lanka to a competitive total, as they were restricted to 240 for nine.India's bowlers were disciplined throughout the innings, with Mohammed Siraj striking early to remove Pathum Nissanka. Avishka Fernando and Kusal Mendis provided some resistance, but the spinners eventually took control of the game.The Indian bowlers also struggled in the final five overs, conceding 44 runs. However, they managed to secure a comfortable victory, with Sri Lanka falling short by 43 runs.

Indian spinners, led by Washington Sundar, put the Sri Lankan batters to the test in the second ODI in Colombo on August 4. The spinners' guile and accuracy on a pitch that offered assistance proved too much for the Lankan batsmen, who were restricted to a modest total of 240 for nine.Sundar (3/30) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/33) were the pick of the Indian bowlers, exploiting the conditions to their advantage. Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka's decision to bat first backfired as his team struggled to build partnerships and score runs at a consistent rate.The Indian spinners' dominance began early, with Mohammed Siraj dismissing in-form opener Pathum Nissanka in the second over. Nissanka's dismissal was followed by a brief recovery phase, with Avishka Fernando (40) and Kusal Mendis (30) adding 74 runs for the second wicket.However, the introduction of the spinners stifled the Lankan scoring rate. Fernando was trapped in front by Sundar, while Mendis was caught at short leg off the same bowler. The wickets of Samarawickrama and Asalanka left Sri Lanka reeling at 136 for six.The onus fell on young Dunith Wellalage and Kamindu Mendis to rebuild the innings. Wellalage played with composure and aggression, hitting sixes off Axar Patel and Siraj. Mendis provided valuable support, and the pair added 72 runs for the seventh wicket.Wellalage's dismissal by Kuldeep Yadav gave India a glimmer of hope, but Kamindu Mendis continued to play positively. He was eventually dismissed for 40, but his innings ensured that Sri Lanka had a respectable total to defend.The Indian bowlers struggled in the final five overs, conceding 44 runs as the Lankans looked to accelerate their scoring. However, the damage had already been done, and Sri Lanka's total proved to be insufficient.

Rohit Sharma's Hilarious Exchange with Washington Sundar Highlights India's Dominance in Sri Lanka ODIIndian skipper Rohit Sharma's on-field banter with teammates and opponents has become a staple of cricket matches, and his latest exchange with Washington Sundar during the first ODI against Sri Lanka in Colombo was no exception.The incident occurred when Sundar was bowling to Sri Lankan batter Dunith Wellalage and appealed for LBW after hitting Wellalage's pad. Unsure whether the ball hit Wellalage's bat or pad first, Sundar looked at keeper KL Rahul and Rohit, at first slip, for guidance on whether to review the decision.Rahul quickly indicated that he wasn't sure, but Rohit's response was priceless. "What? You tell me. Mere ko kya dekh raha hai. Sab kya main karu tere liye?" (Why are you looking at me? Should I do everything for you?), he quipped from the first slip.The Indian players ultimately decided not to go for the review, but the exchange highlighted the camaraderie and light-hearted atmosphere within the Indian team.Despite the humorous moment, India's bowlers were in top form, restricting Sri Lanka to a modest 230 for eight. Axar Patel and Arshdeep Singh picked up two wickets each, while Mohammed Siraj, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, and Sundar each claimed one wicket.Pathum Nissanka (56) and Dunith Wellalage (67 not out) provided some resistance for Sri Lanka, but the Indian bowlers kept the pressure on throughout the innings.The Indian batting lineup will now look to chase down the target and take an early lead in the three-match ODI series.